Archaeology and Historical Ecology of Chesapeake Bay Shell Middens Torben Rick, Program in Human Ecology and Archaeobiology, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
The Chesapeake Bay region contains scores of archaeological sites, including thousands of shell middens. These shell middens provide data that are important for helping understand human settlement and subsistence strategies, trade and exchange, and environmental change. Although Chesapeake shell middens have been the subject of archaeological inquiry for over 100 years, these sites have received relatively limited attention over the last 10-20 years. Dr. Rick will discuss recent archaeological research at several Chesapeake shell middens in Maryland and Virginia, providing insight into broader Native American cultural and environmental developments.
From Moyaone to St. Mary's City: The Archaeology of Anglo-Native Relations in Early Maryland Julia A. King, St. Mary's College of Maryland
Student archaeologists from St.Mary's College of Maryland have uncovered important new evidence in the ground, in the archives, and even in family paintings concerning Anglo---Native interactions in 17th---century Maryland. Their work is revealing how the struggle for territory shaped colonial encounters, with artifacts, architecture, and even landscape emerging as central to the reinterpretation of relations of exchange, accommodation, violence, and individual and cultural survival.
Exploring Four Centuries Over Four Years: The Port Tobacco Archaeological Experience James G. Gibb, Port Tobacco Archaeological Project
Four years (2007-2010) of archaeological investigation of the town of Port Tobacco (1720s - 1890s) has produced an assortment of benefits. In this illustrated presentation, Dr. Gibb will summarize the team's many and varied findings, highlighting new research questions spawned by the work, and recommend future directions for archaeological investigation, museum/historic site development at Port Tobacco.
The Hicks-Mackall Plantation: Investigating the main 18th-century Plantation in St. Mary's City, Maryland Ruth Mitchell, Historic St. Mary's City
During the 18th-century St. Mary's City was dominated by the Hicks and Mackall families. A single large plantation was established during the second half of the 18th century, and excavations are underway at the core of this site. Redevelopment of this portion of St. Mary's College's campus is providing a great opportunity to examine the 18th century. New information about the 17th-century landscape has been a surprising part of this mitigation project. One building that was once part of the Hicks-Mackall plantation has been discovered. Measuring 24 x 16 feet, this structure is too small to be the main dwelling, but certainly was part of the plantation complex. This presentation will discuss findings from this ongoing field project that has been underway since 2009.
Closing Remarks