Field School in Historical Archaeology
Historic St. Mary’s City and St. Mary’s College of Maryland
May 28 to August 3
Field School in Historical Archaeology is an intensive, 10-week experience designed for students in American Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or Museum Studies. Lectures on history, archaeological methods, and material culture are amplified by hands-on experience in the lab and in the field. Students learn artifact identification by working with one of the best archaeological collections of colonial material in the country and participate in excavation, recording and analysis at one of the nation’s best-preserved 17th-century archaeology sites. Guest scholars speak on the history and architecture of the Chesapeake region and field trips to nearby archaeological sites in Maryland and Virginia broaden students’ perspectives on the state of the art.
Excavations are open to the public, so students have the opportunity to share their growing knowledge of archaeology and history with a wide variety of audiences. A high point of the summer is Tidewater Archaeology Weekend where the public is invited to join in the research by helping to screen at the excavation. During this event, students get a chance to direct others in the work and gain new appreciation for the public's interest in archaeology.
Over the past three decades, Field School has contributed significantly to the history of Maryland and the development of historical archaeology. Excavations at the site have revolutionized the understanding of colonial architecture and the material culture of the period. The Field School pioneered many of the techniques now thought of as standard in historical archaeology. It has been a leader in training the next generation of historical archaeologists.
Students register for eight credit hours in either anthropology or history through St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Prior experience or course work is not required. The ability to engage in active physical labor is essential. Costs for the 2008 session will be posted as soon as they become available. Transportation, food and entertainment expenses are the responsibility of the student. HSMC is located two hours south of Washington, D.C. in Southern Maryland.
Field School excavations for 2008 will take place in the historic Town Center of St. Mary's City. Archaeologists will be examining the property where Maryland’s first and fifth governors (Leonard Calvert and Thomas Stone) lived. During the colony’s first years, this home was used as a meeting place for the General Assembly. In the 1640s, Pope’s Fort was constructed around the building. In 1662, the colony purchased the property to use as the first official State House and it became know as “Country’s House,” as it served the country of Maryland.
Field School at St. Mary’s City is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the country. It’s reputation for rigorous training attracts students from all over the United States as well as from other countries. Archaeologists trained in the field school have gone on to hold important positions in all aspects of archaeological research in the United States.
To apply, please contact HSMC’s chief archaeologist, Dr. Tim Riordan by telephoning 240-298-4975 or via e-mail.
