Living History at Rich Hill

Rich Hill

Saturday July 11 was a 250th Celebration at Historic Rich Hill in Bel Alton, MD.  CCASM and various local historic sites and organizations had tables at the event.  But there was a lot more - demonstration by the First Maryland Regiment of the Continental Line, performances by the Port Tobacco Players, and of course, tours of Rich Hill.

Elsie, Denise, Ned, and Linda were at the CCASM table that included a "slide show" of us working in the field over the years at Rich Hill and a nice display of artifacts that had been recovered during those investigations.

CCASM Table

Rich Hill Artifacts

Esther Read, Charles County Archaeologist, was at the site of the Rich Hill Ghost Structure.  Tim, Ned, Malinda, and Kathy helped as Esther continued to excavate a unit where a footer for the structure will be.  Visitors were able to stop by to see and hear what was happening.

Investigating
Ghost Structure Site 

   

  

Doing What Volunteers
Do - Screening

  

Visitors at Site

Thanks to Ned and Elsie for the info and to Ned, Linda, Elsie, and Mike for the photos.

2026 Port Tobacco Market Day

The Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco's Seventeenth Annual Market Day was held May 2 in Historic Port Tobacco Village.  CCASM was there as well as local craft vendors, the garden club plant sale, a white elephant sale, and tables for various nonprofits.  And what would a market day outside a courthouse be without musicians?  Everything from banjos to the youth orchestra.  

CCASM put out its display highlighting some of the history of Port Tobacco including some of the results from archaeology done around 2008 in the Historic Port Tobacco Village and most of the visitors stopped by to look at this display.  We have had the display for a lot of years, but it always seems to attract people.  A visit to the CCASM tent would not be complete without there being some activity.  This year we had  an activity that highlighted the three different type of ceramics- earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.  A potter stopped by to talk to us about some of the ceramics.  So we had an opportunity to learn.  We also had two flag "plates" for people to mend, but only had one person who tried.  We talked to so many people who expressed an interest in archaeology.  It was a very good day (in spite of being so cold). 

CCASM's Table

Public Archaeology is that way

Since the ASM Field Session will be in Charles County again this year, we made sure to tell everyone about this unique opportunity.  In case people didn't know what people do a field session, we had a display showing what to expect, and a number of people scanned the QR code.

Public Archaeology was occurring at the same time at the Swann Site to the southwest of the Courthouse.  We directed a number of people to the site where CCASM members Denise and Elsie were assisting Esther Doyle Read, the Charles County Archaeologist.  

Esther with CCASM volunteers (some helping, some watching)
and a boy that volunteered most of the day.

Thanks to Linda, Claudia, and Carol for representing CCASM at this event.  Also thanks to Linda and Doug for providing the table and the large tent.

 

CCASM Talks at Public Library

April is Maryland Archaeology Month and is also Charles County Archaeology Month.  So April was the month CCASM chose to give a talk at the Charles County Public Library.  

Linda Talley

Linda Talley put together a talk entitled "Things Left Behind" and gave it on Saturday April 25 (3pm) at the Waldorf West Branch and April 30 (6pm) at the main library in La Plata.  The library advertised the talks as being for children and tweens.  At least fifteen children and adults came to each talk.  

Not only did Linda give a talk, she also brought tools that archaeologist use including a shaker screen.  And there were activities at the end suitable for different ages.  Elsie, Carol and Doug were there to help as needed.

Thanks, Linda.
(Sorry I didn't get that great a photo.  Archaeology is actually lots of fun.) 

April is Declared Charles County Archaeology Month (2026)

Once again the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April as Archaeology Month in Charles County.  This coincides with April being Maryland Archaeology Month.   

Elsie, Carol, Ned, and Linda represented CCASM at the presentation April 14 at the Charles County Government Building.   

photo from Charles County Government Photo Gallery

The proclamation sites the rich history and heritage of Charles County, exemplified by historic buildings, cultural landmarks, natural features, and local rituals.  It recognizes that the county is enhanced by historic preservation associations, groups, and professionals who donate countless hours and dollars to preserve that history.  Also it specifically mentions Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc, Maryland Archeological Society, Inc., and the Maryland Historical Trust.

CCASM gave the each of the Commissioners a copy of this year's Maryland Archaeology Month mini-poster and booklet.  This year's theme was "250 Years, Many Voices: Digging into Maryland's Story".    We also mentioned the upcoming ASM event that will be in Charles County this year-- the ASM Field Session.

CCASM thanks the Commissioners for recognizing the importance of archaeology in Charles County.  

 

An Afternoon at the Charles County HITS Expo - 2026

On Saturday March 21 Charles County Public Schools once again held its History, Industry, Technology, and Science (H.I.T.S.) Expo at St Charles High School in Waldorf, Maryland.  There were forty-five tables and six classroom activities/presentations sponsored by different organizations and school groups with CCASM having two of the tables.  A lot was going on with a variety of hands-on activities to engage the students (and the adults).

CCASM's tables included a display depicting the various archaeological skills related to history and science as well as a display with most aspects of an investigation from digging shovel test pits to writing the report.  But most of our table space was devoted to two activities.  One was called "Archaeologists Dig for Clues" and the other was called "What is it?"  We had fun working with the students and their parents as they completed the activities.

Happy to be at the HITS Expo

Completing What Is It? test

Learning about artifacts 

Thanks to Claudia, Denise, Linda, and Carol for being there to interact with the students and their parents.  Also thanks to Ned for helping to set up.

Click to see the winner of the special History Day award sponsored by the Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc.

2025 Port Tobacco Market Day

The rain held off this year and the Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco's Sixteenth Annual Market Day could be held on May 3 in Historic Port Tobacco Village.  As on all the previous Market Days CCASM had a tent at the event.  There were local craft vendors, the garden club plant sale, a white elephant sale, and tables for various nonprofits.  And what would a market day outside a courthouse be without musicians?  Everything from banjos to the youth orchestra.  

Market Day is always a great day for sharing information (both ways) about archaeology, and lots of people stopped by our tent.

CCASM put out its display highlighting some of the history of Port Tobacco including some of the results from archaeology done around 2008 in the Historic Port Tobacco Village.  A visit to the CCASM tent would not be complete without there being some activity.  This year we had the  "What is It?" activity that highlights different type of indigenous artifacts - fire-cracked rocks, cores, flakes, and indigenous earthenware ceramics.  It's always fun to use the display and the display to talk with people. 

Checking out Display
(and being asked to pose for camera)

 

 

Since the ASM Field Session will be in Charles County this year, we made sure to tell everyone about this unique opportunity.  In case people didn't know what people do a field session, we had a display showing what to expect, and a number of people scanned the QR code.

 

Public Archaeology was occurring at the same time at the Swann Site to the southwest of the Courthouse.  We directed a number of people to the site where CCASM members Denise and Elsie were assisting Esther Doyle Read, the Charles County Archaeologist.

Thanks to Evie, Peggy, and Carol for representing CCASM at this event. 

2025 Discovering Archaeology Day

Saturday April 12 CCASM was at Discovering Archaeology Day at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland.  Archaeologists from across Maryland had tables at the event.  CCASM was one of two ASM chapters at the event.  Since the MAC Lab expansion is still under construction, the event was once again held at the Pavilion next to the Visitor Center. 

CCASM had its HITS display and the Archaeologist Dig for Clues" activity where people could discover what can be learned from trash, especially if you also know the location where it was recovered.  We also had the "What Is It?  (Woodland)" activity.  Of course, we promoted the ASM Field Session that will be in Charles County this year, and a number of people scanned the QR code for the Field Session Registration.

CCASM Display and Activities

What is it?

There were twelve tables/activities relating to archeology.  People also had the opportunity to see the MAC Lab Collections/FAQ Exhibit in the Visitor Center.  It was a really cold, overcast day.  So those that came to the event seemed to be really interested, and there were a number of things for them to see and to do.  Some of the tables had variations on activities we often see while others were a little different.  This Bingo card for the event will give some idea.

One activity on the card that we found particularly interesting was the table that was testing out a new flow chart for being able to distinguish buckles for people from buckles for horses.  

Did I mention it was really cold for a spring day?  So a special thanks to Elsie and Carol, who represented CCASM at the event.  It's always a great event to learn more about archaeology, to get ideas, and to interact with others.  

April is Declared Charles County Archaeology Month (2025)

Once again the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April as Archaeology Month in Charles County.  This coincides with April being Maryland Archaeology Month.  Carol and Ned represented CCASM at the presentation April 9 at the Charles County Government Building.

The proclamation sites the rich history and heritage of Charles County, exemplified by historic buildings, cultural landmarks, natural features, and local rituals.  It also recognizes that the county is enhanced by historic preservation associations, groups, and professionals who donate countless hours and dollars to preserve that history.  It also specifically mentions Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc, Maryland Archeological Society, Inc., and the Maryland Historical Trust.

CCASM gave the each of the Commissioners a copy of this year's Maryland Archaeology Month mini-poster and booklet.  This year's theme was "Clay Temper Fire:  Exploring Maryland's Indigenous Ceramics".    We also mentioned the two upcoming ASM events that will be in Charles County this year - the AnnualASM Field Session and the ASM Annual Fall Meeting.

CCASM thanks the Commissioners for recognizing the importance of archaeology in Charles County.  

An Afternoon at the Charles County Expo - 2025

On Saturday March 22 Charles County Public Schools once again held its History, Industry, Technology, and Science (H.I.T.S.) Expo at St Charles High School in Waldorf, Maryland.  There were thirty-seven tables and six classroom activities/presentations sponsored by different organizations and school groups with CCASM having two of the tables.  A lot was going on.  There were a variety of hands-on activities to engage the students (and the adults), and there were lots of people.  Initial feedback was this was the largest audience in the nine years of the EXPO.

One of CCASM's tables included a display depicting the various archaeological skills related to history and science.  The other table contained an activity we call "Archaeologists Dig for Clues" to show how archaeologist learn about a location and people from what they have left behind.  We also had miscellaneous artifacts and photos to share.  We didn't count the number of students completing the activity but we were able to interact with a number of children as well as with their parents.

 

Interacting with children (and parents)

Talking about archaeology and CCASM

Thanks to Linda, Elsie, Claudia, Ned, and Carol for being there to interact with the students and their parents. 

Click to see the winners of the special History Day award and the Science Fair Archaeology award sponsored by the Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc.

 

2024 Charles County Holiday Tour

Burch House

On Saturday December 7 CCASM hosted visitors at Burch House in historic Port Tobacco during the 2024 Charles County Holiday Tour.   Four sites in Port Tobacco participated in this free event - the One-Room Schoolhouse, Stagg Hall, the Port Tobacco Courthouse, as well as Burch House.

Only fifteen people came by Burch House this year to learn about this eighteenth-century house and Washington Burch, one of its owners.  Seceral were also interested in hearing about the archaeology done in Port Tobacco and upcoming ASM Field Session that is to be in Charles County. There was hot cider, home-baked cookies, chocolates, and even an activity for children. 

CCASM members decorated Burch House simply for the holidays in keeping with the house.  There was a lot of greenery and two trees - one decorated with crocheted ornaments and one with paper ornaments. 

Thanks to Linda and Elsie for setting up and being there to talk with the visitors and also to Carol who helped out in the afternoon. 
And a special thanks to Mary who provided the baked goods, hot cider, and everything else needed to enjoy them.

2024 Fall School Visits

With the new school year once again there are Charles County School trips to Port Tobacco. All of the trips include tours of the One-Room School House conducted by the Retired Teachers.

But second graders also get a chance to come to the Port Tobacco Courthouse and be introduced to archaeology.  Esther Read, Charles County Archaeologist, and CCASM members work with the students.  After an introduction to archaeology (normally given by Linda), the students are divided into two groups with one group washing artifacts for about ten minutes while the other group mends ceramics.  Then the two groups switch.  Always interesting to interact with the students.

The last school group visit of the year was on Monday October 28.  There were twenty-four second graders from  Dr. James Craik Elementary School.  Linda, Claudia, Elsie, Carol, and Esther worked with the students.

Friday October 25 sixteen second graders from Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School visited Port Tobacco. Elsie, Denise, Linda, and Esther worked with the students.
Thanks to Elsie for the info.

Wednesday October 2 was the first school visit for this year.  There were sixteen second graders from Malcolm Elementary School.  Linda, Denise, Claudia, Elsie, and Esther worked with the students.
Thanks to Linda for the info.

2024 Maxwell Hall Colonial Faire

The Friends of Maxwell Hall held their annual Colonial Faire and Fall Festival on October 19 and 20 at historic Maxwell Hall in Hughesville, MD.  It turned out to be a beautiful fall weekend,and a great weekend got enjoying the Faire.

CCASM's table was near the house.  People who stopped by got to see what was involved in investigating a site.  They could also learn about historic and indigenous ceramics and get a chance to try to identify the different types.  This led to many interesting conversations.  We also got to promote the upcoming Public Archaeology Days at Port Tobacco as well as the 2025 ASM Field Session that will be in Charles County. Overall, an enjoyable event.

CCASM's Table

Thanks to Linda, Denise, Elsie, and Carol for representing CCASM at the Faire.

Equity in History Summer Institute for Teachers (Charles County)

On August 2 at Piscataway Park in Prince George's County the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition held its third Summer Institute for Teachers on accessing the Diverse History of Southern Maryland website equityinhistory.org 

The morning was to highlight resources in the Charles County area of Southern Maryland.

Based on her experiences working in the area Dr. Julia King, professor of Anthropology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, talked about the history of Black and Indigenous People in Southern Maryland and more specifically in Charles County.  Despite the handicap of not being able to use her PowerPoint presentation (no power on site until the end of her talk), Dr. King's talk was interesting and informative.

Next there was a condensed tour of the site that the Accokeek Foundation’s Educational Staff gives to school groups (4th-9th grades).  The tour started with talking about the Piscataway tie to the land and included demonstrations relating to the environment.

After the tour was a Mini-Expo of ten Cultural Organizations, mostly in Charles County.  CCASM had a table at the Mini-Expo.  We handed out Maryland Archaeology Month booklets "African Diaspora Archeology: A Collaboration with Descendants".  We also had an "activity" related to identifying Native American artifacts and contrasting that with the different types of historic ceramics.  We pointed out that with historic ceramics you need to know where the ceramic were found and research who might have lived there.

CCASM Table

The afternoon was dedicated to a hands-on session for using the website and learning how to integrate its resources into their lesson plans.  Teachers also learned how to get MSDE credit for this Institute.  This was the main purpose of the Institute.

 Thanks to Mary and Carol for representing CCASM at the Mini-Expo.

 

2024 Port Tobacco Market Day

The Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco (SRPT) Fourteenth Annual Market Day at the Port Tobacco Courthouse was supposed to be May 4, but it rained on that day.  The rain date was May 18.  Unfortunately rain was predicted for the 18th, but SRPT decided to hold the event anyway.   Many vendors decided not to have a tent at the event, but the Garden Club still had its annual plant sale.  Plants don't mind the rain.   Local musical groups performed in the Courthouse, and there were speakers so we could also hear the music outside.

All the tents were placed close together, and CCASM had a tent next to the Society's tents.  CCASM always tries to have a display and at least one activity.  CCASM's display highlighted archaeology done at Port Tobacco.  The activity this year involved identifying various types of ceramics.  Everything got a little damp.  There were not as many people at the event, but we still had a number of interesting conversations.  Those representing CCASM at various times during the day were Claudia, Carol A, Evie, Linda, Pat, Carol C, and Malinda. 

Having fun staying out of the rain

The "Market Day" Public Archaeology that was planned for the Swann Site had to be cancelled for Saturday.  Digging and screening in mud isn't recommended (or fun).  However, the weather is predicted to be sunny on Sunday.  So there should be Public Archaeology on Sunday.

Thanks to Claudia, Carol A, Evie, Linda, Pat, Carol C for representing CCASM and to Malinda for assisting at the CCASM table.

Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition New Website Launch

On May 1 the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition launched its new website at an event held in the Nancy R.  & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center at St Mary's College of Maryland. 

website -  equityinhistory.org

The event was titled "Accessing the Diverse History of Southern Maryland".   Twenty-one of the thirty organizations supporting the Coalition had display tables at the event where pamphlets, brochures, maps, and other items were handed out.  CCASM was there.  Other Charles County organizations at the event were the African American Heritage Society of Charles County and the Historic McConchie School.  People could visit the various tables prior to and after the main event in the auditorium.

CCASM Display and Activity

The speakers prior to the keynote address included Dr. Tuajuanda C. Jordan, St. Mary’s College of Maryland President,  Frances Gray, Tribal Chairman of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, and Lucille Walker, Executive Director of the Southern Maryland Heritage Area.  The keynote speaker Melisande Short-Columb gave an outstanding talk.  A native of Louisiana, Melisande is a descendant of slaves sold by the Jesuits of Georgetown University in 1838.  Melisande has been a guest undergraduate student at Georgetown University.  She gave a unifying message in her beautiful speech. The messages from all of the speakers were that knowledge of Southern Maryland History can help to reduce racism and to understand and address the causes of racism. 

Next most of us got to see the new website for the first time.  While the new website’s primary audience is expected to be students and teachers, anyone can make use of this engaging website and learn from it.  It has been designed for ease of searchability.  The subject matter is oriented toward Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color from Southern Maryland. This is only the beginning.  Input and interaction from all of us is desired by the website creators. Those who can contribute stories, photos, and other information are encouraged to help enlarge the information available on the website.  Currently there are stories for 76 people and 37 places to experience.

On the website equityinhistory.org Resources, Places to Experience, People, and Organizations are searchable by Keyword, County, Time Period, Theme, Audience, and Type with pulldown menus.  If you go to Notable People, you can find photos and stories of Charles Countians William A. Digges, Mary Louise Booth Webb, Josiah Henson, and Serenity Plantation burials of Abraham and Moses. The highlighted list of notable people will change from time-to-time on a rotating basis. 

The mission of the Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition is to connect and empower community-based organizations, and educational and public institutions throughout Southern Maryland to elevate access to the collective and multi-perspective history of the region. For more about the Coalition - https://calvertlibrary.info/research-learn/southern-maryland-equity-in-history-coalition/

Currently the Charles County supporters of the Coalition include the African American Heritage Society of Charles County, the Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, the Historic McConchie School, The Historical Society of Charles County, the College of Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools, Charles County Libraries, the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism.

Thanks to Ned for his summary, much of which is in this post.
Thanks to Peggy and Carol for traveling to St Mary's City so CCASM could have a table at the event.

2024 Discovering Arcaheology Day

Saturday April 13 CCASM was at Discovering Archaeology Day at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard, Maryland.  Archaeologists from across Maryland had tables at the event.  CCASM was one of two ASM chapters at the event.

There were tours to Sukey's Cabin, hay rides, a bingo game to earn an archaeology hat, and lots of hands-on activities.  A number of the activities were in the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory that is scheduled to be closed soon for three years.  So it's could have been one of the last times to tour the Lab for a while. 

CCASM had its HITS display and the Archaeologist Dig for Clues" activity where people could discover what can be learned from trash, especially if you also know the location where it was recovered.

CCASM table, activity , and members
(Notice all the different types of weights.)

At first it was fairly easy.

Then the number of groups increased

And then there were even more.

If you look at the photos, you may notice that the CCASM table and many of the other tables do not have tents.  The wind was so gusty in the morning that most decided to take them down.  At least one tent was broken.  And we ended up laying the display flat on the table and putting weights in/on the activity boxes.  This made for a somewhat different look, but it didn't stop lots of people from stopping by.

Thanks to Claudia Mary, Peggy, Carol C, Carol A, and Dave, who represented CCASM at the event.  
With so many we all got a chance to visit the other tables at the event and to tour the MAC Lab.  It's always a great event to learn more about archaeology, to get ideas, and to interact with others.  Also thanks to Peggy for the bowl of mints.

 

 

April is Declared Charles County Archaeology Month (2024)

Once again the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed the month of April as Archaeology Month in Charles County.  This coincides with April being Maryland Archaeology Month.  Mary, Carol, and Claudia represented CCASM at the presentation April 9 at the Charles County Government Building.

The proclamation sites the rich history and heritage of Charles County, exemplified by historic buildings, cultural landmarks, natural features, and local rituals.  It also recognizes that the county is enhanced by historic preservation associations, groups, and professionals who donate countless hours and dollars to preserve that history.  It also specifically mentions Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc, Maryland Archeological Society, Inc., and the Maryland Historical Trust.

Commissioners and CCASM members
with Proclamation and Mini-Poster

CCASM gave the each of the Commissioners a copy of this year's Maryland Archaeology Month mini-poster and booklet.  This year's theme was "African Diaspora Archeology: A Collaboration with Descendants". 

CCASM thanks the Commissioners for recognizing the importance of archaeology in Charles County. 

 

 

An Afternoon at the Charles County Expo - 2024

On Saturday March 9 Charles County Public Schools once again held its History, Industry, Technology, and Science (H.I.T.S.) Expo at St Charles High School in Waldorf, Maryland.  There were forty-one tables and seven classroom activities/presentations sponsored by different organizations and school groups with CCASM having two of the tables.  A lot was going on.  There were a variety of hands-on activities to engage the students (and the adults).

One of CCASM's tables included a display depicting the various archaeological skills related to history and science.  The other table contained an activity we call "Archaeologists Dig for Clues".  We didn't count the number of students completing the activity but we were able to interact with a number of children as well as with their parents.
 

CCASM Table with display and activity

Looks like a fun conversation

Thanks to Elsie Ned, Denise, and Linda for being there to interact with the students and their parents. 

Click to see the winner of the special History Day award sponsored by the Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc.

Thanks to Linda for the photos.