Anne Arundel County Celebrates Historic Preservation Month 2022

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 9, 2022) –  Join history enthusiasts nationwide this May in celebrating National Preservation Month. The observance, first established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “Preservation Week,” expanded to the entire month of May in 2005 to provide Americans more opportunities to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states. Historic preservation is not only an effective tool in smart growth and sustainability practices, it enhances quality of life, increases local pride and community involvement, and is a significant economic driver.

The Office of Planning & Zoning is joining in on the celebration by inviting citizens to participate in our Preservation Stewardship Program, sponsored by the Cultural Resources Section. The CRS team will offer several events and educational programs throughout the month, so citizens can explore, experience, and participate in preserving the historic places that matter across the county.

  • Historic Sites Planner, Darian Beverungen, will lead an architectural tour of Historic Linthicum Walks on Monday, May 9th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
  • Archaeological Sites Planner, Anastasia Poulos, will participate in a panel on the discovery and documentation of historic burial grounds. as part of a virtual symposium on May 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. aimed at preserving African American historical and cultural legacies, and sponsored by the Remembrance and Reconciliation Commission of Montgomery County.
  • On May 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., we welcome volunteers to join in on a guided hike at Bacon Ridge to monitor trail conditions for potential archaeological impacts. Walk with us and learn how Anne Arundel County is working to preserve and protect archaeological sites.
  • Archaeologist Drew Webster, will lead an archaeology hike at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary on Saturday, May 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Explore the landscape where indigenous peoples have lived for 13,000 years, and view ancient artifacts that have helped improve our knowledge about the County’s prehistoric past.
  • In honor of Preservation Month and to support the County’s mission to protect significant historic sites, the Cultural Resources Section invites you to help us by completing an online Cemetery Preservation Survey where you can share your knowledge and observations regarding the conditions and potential risks to endangered historic cemeteries in your communities.   

Reservations are required for most events. To sign up for one or more events or to learn more about the County’s Preservation Stewardship Program, visit. www.aacounty.org/Preservation-Stewardship

Executive Proclamation

Volunteers Welcome: Archaeology Field Session at Whitehall Plantation, Annapolis

In partnership with the Brandywine Foundation, the State of Maryland, and the Lost Towns Project, the Anne Arundel County Cultural Resources Section will be excavating an area that could yield new information about those who worked and lived on Whitehall Plantation in the late 18th and 19th century and whose stories have yet to be told.

The narrative and existing documentation has yet to adequately address the full history of the site, and archaeology promises to tell us about both the freedman and enslaved workers who lived and worked here. This work is the first foray into telling a broader, more inclusive story about the Whitehall Plantation.

A limited number of volunteers are welcome to assist. Volunteers must register here in advance. Volunteers new to fieldwork should attend the volunteer orientation on April 12th or email Drew Webster at [email protected] for more information. Volunteers should also review the field manual. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Whitehall

Upcoming Events: April is Archaeology Month!

April is Maryland Archaeology Month! In celebration, here are some upcoming events hosted by the Lost Towns Project and/or Anne Arundel County Cultural Resources Section. Learn more and find events throughout the state at marylandarcheologymonth.org. This page will be updated throughout April.


April 2nd – Annapolis: Digging Up Discoveries

Hosted by Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2250 Annapolis Mall Road
Annapolis, MD
2:00-3:00 pm

Come learn about fossils and artifacts from the experts! Make a fossil print, dig for “bones” and see real artifacts found in Maryland. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.


April 7th – Virtual Talk: The Archaeology of the Patuxent River

Virtual
6:00 pm

Join us for Archaeology Month with this free virtual presentation! Take a virtual journey along the Patuxent River with archaeologists from Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties. Learn about the various archaeological resources found throughout this watershed.

This is a FREE Virtual presentation for all ages. Please email [email protected] for the zoom link.


April 12th – Edgewater: Volunteer Orientation and Fieldwork Preview

Anne Arundel County Archaeology Lab
839 Londontown Road
Edgewater, MD
6:00-7:00 pm

Are you a new or returning archaeology volunteer, or considering volunteering with us?

Join us for a preview of spring and summer field and lab opportunities, and learn or refresh the basics of fieldwork! This is a great time to meet other volunteers and prepare for the summer season.

Plus, we will have pizza! RSVP here.


April 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 29
Annapolis: Whitehall Public Dig Days

Whitehall
1915 Whitehall Rd
Annapolis, MD
8:00 am – 3:00 pm each day.

Join us for excavations at historic Whitehall, a former plantation outside of Annapolis. We will be excavating an area that could yield new information about those who worked and lived on the plantation in the late 18th and 19th century and whose stories have yet to be told.

Volunteers must register here in advance and should be able to commit to an entire day (8:00-3:00). Volunteers new to fieldwork are strongly encouraged to attend the Volunteer Orientation on April 12th at 6:00 pm (see above) For more information, email Drew Webster at [email protected]


April 30 – Crownsville: Walk for the Woods

Bacon Ridge Natural Area
Farm Rd Entrance
Crownsville, MD
7:00 am – 3:00 pm

We will be leading an archaeology hike and showcasing our travelling archaeology exhibit at Scenic Rivers Land Trust’sWalk for the Woods.” Walk for the Woods is a day of guided hikes, including bird watching, amphibian searches, history/archaeology, naturalist hikes, and educational programs. Attendees are also invited to explore the permanently protected Bacon Ridge Natural Area’s 1000+ acres of woodlands, wetlands, streams, and meadows on their own. It is always a beautiful, relaxing day in our local woods!

Experts in wildlife, native plants, birds, and more will be on-site and available to attendees. Plus, self-guided hike options will be offered, complete with trail maps and educational signage posted along the trails.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville (rain date is May 1). Access to the event will be via the Farm Road entry. Registration for guided hikes will open approximately three weeks before the event date. The hike schedule and registration link will be announced via email and social media and will be accessible via this page. This is FREE community and family event, but registration is required for guided hikes and spaces will be limited.


For a full listing of upcoming events, check out our event calendar: