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Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc

Charles County Archeological Society

 

Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc. (CCASM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides educational experiences for the public to learn about archaeology.   It also offers opportunities for members to investigate and conserve archeological resources.  Our primary focus is archaeology within the Mid-Atlantic region and more specifically in Charles County, Maryland.

Archaeology involves not only investigating sites to uncover artifacts or information from the ground to learn more about previous occupants of the site.  To understand the site it is also necessary to investigate land records, newspapers, genealogy, and any other documents that might shed light on the previous occupants and the use of the land.

CCASM members have volunteered on a number of Charles County archaeological projects including a Woodland site, two sites associated with houses owned by Black men. We have also volunteered to help identify grave depressions in three African American cemeteries.

Currently our activities can be divided into four areas:

  • Archaeology-­related presentations and/or workshops at nine regular monthly meetings
  • Informational displays and activities to educate the public about archaeology
  • Volunteer work for archaeological projects in Charles County that are sponsored by grants or by non-­profit organizations
  • Documentation of Charles County archaeology

CCASM members include avocational and professional archeologists.  CCASM is also a chapter of the Archeological Society of Maryland, Inc.

CCASM shares this information through our blog, through talks, and through posters at outreach events.

Contact/Location

https://ccarchsoc.blogspot.com

Hours of Operation

Visitor Center

Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm

Offices and MAC

Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

Park Grounds

7 days a week, dawn to dusk

Only available upon request.

Highlights

Provides information and resources regarding the history of Black, Indigenous and Other People of Color in a variety of formats:

Archaeology involves not only investigating sites to uncover artifacts or information from the ground to learn more about previous occupants of the site.  To understand the site it is also necessary to investigate land records, newspapers, genealogy, and any other documents that might shed light on the previous occupants and the use of the land.
CCASM members have volunteered on a number of Charles County archaeological projects including a Woodland site, two sites associated with houses owned by black men. We have also volunteered to help identify grave depressions in three African American cemeteries. 

Archaeological sites with interpretive panels. These sites and panels are accessible on Park trails.

FAQ Archaeology Exhibit in the Visitor’s Center includes segments on pre-contact period sites and on Sukeek’s Cabin site.

JPPM Library has over 15,000 titles relating to all aspects of Maryland’s history. Books do not circulate, but an online catalog is available. Southern Maryland Regional Files are also housed in the MAC Lab.

Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab has over 10 million artifacts spanning from 10,000 years ago until the early-mid 20th century. Portions available online; physical access upon request during MAC Lab hours. Qualifying institutions can borrow artifacts for display or study.

Audio and transcripts of oral histories of local Black families. Available upon request.

Portraits, daguerreotypes, and primary documents of local Black families. Available to view upon request.

Through Ebony Eyes digital exhibit can be viewed on large screendisplay.

Field trip programs for school age children on rural life and sharecropping are scheduled through the Education Department.

Park-wide special events like Discovering Archaeology Day and American Indian Heritage Day are free and open to the public.

Educators, docents, and archaeologists give tours, talks, and participate in outreach programs upon request.

JPPM hosts Calvert County’s NAACP Family and Community Day each June

Explore Resources

Charles Co. Archaeological Society – Archaeology Opportunities

Description:
The Society brings to Southern Maryland the opportunity to learn about and participate in archaeology involving the history of Black, Indigenous, and other people of Color.
Read More
Themes:
African American People and Culture, Diversity in Southern Maryland, Rural Life in Southern Maryland
Access:

Opportunities for archaeology happen throughout the year.

CCASM is at several events throughout the year where they have at least one display, activities, and artifacts.  One informational display is related to an African American Site, one is for an Indigenous Site, one highlights erosion, and another points out various sciences relating to archaeology.

Check the society’s Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc website for upcoming opportunities.

Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc (ccarchsoc.blogspot.com)

Timeframe:

Early to mid-20th century

Themes:

African American People and Culture, Indigenous People and Culture, Diversity in Southern Maryland, People, Places, and Our Southern Maryland Environment, Women’s History

Access:

During open hours for JPPM Visitor Center: Wed-Sunday, 10am-4pm. Contact Visitor Center at [email protected] or 410-586-8538.

Description:

Located at the Visitor Center, this exhibit shows a number of archaeological artifacts from across the state of Maryland, with detailed panels on a pre-contact period site (and its environment) and on the Sukeek’s Cabin site.

Visit Website

faq archaeology

Item #1

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The Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition is a transformative collaboration of local organizations and educational institutions, committed to elevating the history of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color in our region.

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Maryland Heritage Areas Authority
This project has been financed in part with State funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, an instrumentality of the State of Maryland. However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
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