Discover what it’s like to be a history detective at Historic St. Mary’s City, one of the best-preserved colonial archaeology sites in the nation!  During Tidewater Archaeology Weekend, Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29, visitors can help uncover and identify artifacts, learn how and why conservators save these pieces of the past, and discover the amazing things researchers learn from things left behind.

 

TAW 2006 participant shows piece of ceramic

found at Van Sweringen excavation

This year, excavations will take place on a plot of land in the Town Center of St. Mary’s City, where archaeologists have been trying to find the house and kitchen of John Morecroft. Morecroft was a doctor, merchant, and attorney described by Charles Calvert as “the best lawyer in the country.”

The place where he lived is important because a land survey from 1672 specifically notes his buildings and mentions his kitchen chimney as key reference point. Archaeologists have uncovered post holes that suggest they are getting close to finding one of the structures Morecroft used. If they are able to find the remains of the kitchen chimney, researchers will be able locate other tracts. The excavations will also provide artifacts that help us understand the life of this prominent citizen in the colonial capital.

During Tidewater Archaeology Weekend, excavations will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. but be sure to save time for other activities.   Visitors will discover there is much more to archaeology than digging as they explore the research laboratory.  Tours will take place at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.  Sign up when you arrive at the Visitor Center.  This is the only time of the year the lab is open to the public and space on these popular tours is limited.

Learn how researchers use the information archaeologists and historians uncover during a walking tour with director of research Dr. Henry Miller.  Visit three new exhibits — the Print House that opened in Spring 2007, and the soon-to-be-opened Van Sweringen Council Chamber and the Chapel of 1667– with Dr. Miller and get the inside scoop about the stories they tell.  The hour-long walking tour will depart from the Gazebo at 2:00 p.m. both days.

Share the excitement of recovering Maryland’s hidden past at Tidewater Archaeology Weekend.  All of HSMC living history exhibits and special activities are included in the museum entry fee ($10.00 for adults: $8 seniors: $6 students: $3.50 for children ages 6-12).    Refreshments will be available on site throughout the day.  For more information about Tidewater Archaeology Days or Historic St. Mary’s City please call 240-895-4990 or visit www.stmaryscity.org.