Norma A. B-Wagner began her career in archaeology as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County . Under the guidance of her archaeology professor, she participated in the excavation of a prehistoric Native American site on the school campus. She co-authored a comprehensive report on the excavation, and the report was published by the Archaeological Society of Maryland.
After completing her B.A degree at UMBC, she worked for several years as secretary and Technical Assistant in the Maryland Geological Survey's then new Maryland state archaeological program. Upon leaving the Geological Survey, she undertook and completed several studies, surveys, excavations, and reports on Maryland archaeology as a private consultant. While acting as a consultant, she served two terms as President of the Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc., and was chair of the ASM Central Chapter for a decade, started a family, and pursued other interests with her husband. In 1979 she completed her M.A. in anthropology at American University.
During the late 1980s she became active in ASM's Harford County Chapter, now known as the Archaeological Society of the Northern Chesapeake. She successfully led the chapter's efforts to preserve the Paul Cresthull archaeological collection and library. As chapter president, she worked to maintain and expand the activities of the chapter.
While active with the Northern Chesapeake Chapter, she served two terms as Treasurer of ASM, Inc., and she assumed responsibility for revising and up-dating the ASM By-laws. Since early in her career she has held various responsibilities with ASM's Annual Field Session in Archaeology.
In recognition of over 30 years of dedication to Maryland archaeology in many professional and volunteer capacities, the Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc. presents the 2002 William B. Marye award to Norma A. B-Wagner.