You won’t find the legendary Holy Grail or any crystal skulls at the site, but said Susan Wilkinson, marketing director at Historic St. Mary’s City, “I’ve been with HSMC since 2000, and this is the most exciting time we’ve had.”
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Wilkinson was referring to the recent opening of new exhibits at the renowned park and historical museum. The Van Sweringen Exhibit has already opened, and the St. John’s Exhibit will open in September. But, the most exciting recent event is the archeological dig and recent discoveries found surrounding the Calvert House, the home of Maryland’s first governor.
Every summer HSMC, in conjunction with St. Mary’s College of Maryland, hosts a 10- week field school in historical archaeology. The program has been offered for more than 35 years and students, historians and archeologists explore the city’s rich historical offerings, buried some 18 inches under the surface.
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| Dr. Riordan |
Dr. Tim Riordan, chief archaeologist leading the 2008 excavations explained that “the purpose of this summer’s excavations is to better understand the back yard of the Calvert House. This structure, built by Leonard Calvert in the first few years of the settlement, served as the first state house and the largest inn, or ordinary, in St. Mary’s. In 1645, the house served as the headquarters for a rebellion against Lord Baltimore and a fort, named “Mr. Pope’s Fort,” was built around it. When Gov. Calvert retook the colony in 1646, he regained the house and filled in the fort ditch. Calvert died in the house in 1647.”
Riordan added the rigorous 10-week program has three distinct goals: exploring outbuildings, fence lines and the boundaries of Pope’s Fort.
“We want to explore backyard area for various outbuildings.” In the 17th century, all buildings were built without foundations. Rather, they were set with post holes and the built up around the corner posts.
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