From the first 17th-century investigations at St. Mary’s City, archaeologists began recovering evidence for glass windows. These were expensive items and many immigrants could not afford them. Instead of glass, their window openings were covered with fabric, oiled paper, or …
One of the most unusual graves excavated at the Chapel was Burial 53. To prepare the site for the reconstruction, drainage and to collect more data, we excavated a corridor 10 foot wide around the entire exterior of the structure …
The most impressive funerary monument of the Calvert family is that of Anne Mynne Calvert. She was George Calvert’s first wife and the mother all but one of his children. Anne married George Calvert in 1604 and became the mother …
One of the few brick buildings known to have stood in Maryland’s first capital was a jail or prison for the colony built between 1674 and 1676. The only evidence about its location comes from the oldest surviving map of …
There are few non-archaeological objects that have survived from early Maryland. One that is of particular relevance to St. Mary’s City is an iron cross. It was long at Old Bohemia Manor at the top of the Chesapeake. Established in …
As discussed in the previous Clues, coming to Maryland in the 17th century was a gamble, with many succumbing to the diseases of the region, and all suffering from “the seasoning”. The advantages were opportunity to better your life, escape …
Coming to early Maryland was a major risk for immigrants. One acquires immunities to the diseases in the region where you grow up. But such immunity typically does not transfer when migrating to new areas. Maryland offered a different climate …
Pots have been made in Maryland for over two millennia by Maryland Indians. These were hand formed using local clays, strengthened by adding grit or broken up shell or other materials and sometimes decorated, sometimes not. We will never know …
Although the Brick Chapel has rightfully received the greatest attention, several other structures once stood in the Chapel Field. Some date to the early c. 1635-1645 mission, including the first wood chapel. Another is a structure called the Priest’s House. …
Archaeology at the St. John ‘s site revolutionized our understanding of life in early Maryland and recovered well over a million artifacts. Perhaps the most unique of all found by Ruth Mitchell’s team in 2004 was a thin piece of …
