Hands-On Archaeology

Join archaeologists in excavating a circa 1830s-1930s Black homestead at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. See what it is like to be an archaeologist and excavate an actual site through our Public Archaeology Program. You can help us dig and screen for artifacts in the field or wash objects with archaeologists from the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab. It’s a fun way for the whole family to learn about the past. Who knows what great discoveries await you?

We accept volunteers of all ages; ages 15 and under we require a parent or guardian to stay with their child. The participants help excavate the site, screen for artifacts, and learn some basics about recording a site. The program runs in two sessions - morning and afternoon - on select Fridays and Saturdays in April through June and again in October and September. Morning sessions are from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. Afternoo…