Historic St. Mary’s City will offer four different workshops designed for homeschool families with interpretive discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. 

$10/ student, additional workshops $7, adults are general admission.

HSMC Member pricing is $8/ student,  additional workshops are $5, adults are free.

* Registration is required. Payment in full is required at the time of registration.

Info / Register: email hsmcc.groups@maryland.gov; 301.994.4371 / 301.994.4372

Fall Workshops

Corn and the Colonial Diet – Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation

10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Ages 5 and up

How important was corn in the diet of early Maryland settlers? Spend a morning at the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation to find the answer to this question through in-depth discussions and hands-on activities! Students will experience and participate in corn preparation and hearth cooking, leaving with a thorough understanding of the following topics: 17th-century agriculture, the colonial gender roles associated with the cultivation and preparation of corn, and how Native cultures influenced colonial-settler foodways through plants such as corn.

Maritime Wood Joinery – Waterfront

10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Ages 9 and up

Have you ever wondered how the wooden components of a tall ship are constructed, fitted, and fastened together? Learn about the various joinery methods and materials used to keep Maryland Dove afloat! Use your observational skills to identify different types of joinery aboard the ship and then put your skills to the test by joining two pieces of wood together using a treenail (also known as a trunnel). This is a hands-on workshop for anyone interested in wood fastening, finishing, or shipbuilding at large!

What’s in a Witchott? – Woodland Indian Hamlet

1:00 p.m.—2:30 p.m. 

Ages 10 and up

This workshop provides students with a truly hands-on experience in experimental archaeology. Using primary sources and the power of observation, students will learn what skills and materials were necessary in the construction of our witchotts at the Woodland Indian Hamlet. There will then be an opportunity to work with site staff to construct a bench that, upon its completion, will be used as an exhibit display inside a witchott. 

Digging Through History – Town Center

1:00 p.m.—2:30 p.m.

Ages 7 and up

Our understanding of the past can often change or evolve, due largely to archaeology! Do you have what it takes to be an archaeologist? Join us at the Town Center to simulate some archaeological activities and practices. Students will leave with an understanding of the basics of archaeology and how archaeologists have helped shape the experience of all who visit Historic St. Mary’s City.