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Tyler Bastian Field Session in Maryland Archeology

The Annual Tyler Bastian Field Session in Maryland Archeology is one of ASM's most popular programs. Named after Maryland's first State Archeologist who began the Field Session in 1971 as a weekend field testing project, it has grown to today's 11-day field and lab training program, complete with lecture series, workshops, and meal/camping facilities. The Field Session is held in cooperation with the State Office of Archeology.

The purpose of the Field Session is to introduce lay persons to archeological methods and to teach Maryland's past through hands-on involvement, while making meaningful contributions to the study of Maryland archeology. Sites are selected for their research potential, endangerment (e.g., from erosion, development, etc.), and for their suitability as a training site. The program has worked well in that it provides a structured, professionally-directed excavation project for students and lay people, and provides the Office of Archeology's professional staff with an eager, well-trained cadre of volunteer assistants.

The Field Session has investigated 27 different sites in 13 of Maryland's 23 counties, ranging from prehistoric camps and villages to historic mills and plantations. It has fostered a tradition of cooperation and camaraderie between amateur and professional archeologists, putting Maryland at the forefront of nationwide efforts to involve present generations in our shared archeological past.

Field Session Galleries

Tyler Bastian Field Session in Maryland Archeology Photos and Commentary. (Click on T-Shirt to view photo galleries.)
	The 2009 Tyler Bastian Field Session was held at the Smith's St. Leonard site (18CV91) at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County
	The 2009 Tyler Bastian Field Session was held at the Port Tobacco Site (18CH765) in Charles County.
	A second 2008 Field Session was held at the Port Tobacco Site (18FR765) in Charles County.
	The 2008 Tyler Bastian Field Session was held at the Claggett Retreat Site (18FR25) in Frederick County.
	The 2007 Session was held at the Clagget Retreat Site (18FR25) in Frederick County. For details about the site, click here.
	The 2006 Session was held at the Hughes Site (18MO1) in Montgomery County.
	The 2005 Session was held at Swan Cove (18AN934) in Anne Arundel County.
	The 2004 Session was held at Swan Cove (18AN934) in Anne Arundel County.
	The 2003 Annual ASM Field Session was held at the Winslow Site (18MO9) in Montgomery County
	The 2002 Annual ASM Field Session was held at the Winslow Site (18MO9) in Montgomery County

T-Shirts

Each year, a t-shirt is prepared for the Annual Field Session.
Click here for a gallery of shirt designs.

Request for Information

We would like to add more Field Session information to this web site. Anyone who would like to contribute items, whether they are photos, journal entries or just field notes, should contact John Fiveash. Information from ALL field sessions will be incorporated into a new Field Session Page.