Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC), in association with St. Mary’s College of
Maryland, announces its 2005 field school in historical archaeology. HSMC is a
state supported, outdoor museum located at the site of Maryland’s first capital
(1634-1694).  This season HSMC returns to Vansweringen’s Lodging House, a
complex site with both domestic and public functions. The structure was
originally built (c. 1666) to house the Provincial Secretary’s office and the
Governor’s Council. In c. 1678, Garrett Vansweringen, a Dutch immigrant,
remodeled the building for use as a “lodging house.” A cut above the normal
inns at St. Mary’s City, it became the place where the Provincial elite stayed
when they came to town. First investigated in the 1970s, the Vansweringen site
provided important insights on life in Colonial Maryland. Now, in anticipation
of a new exhibit on the building, archaeologists seek to answer questions about
the architecture of the structure and to expand the understanding of how it was
used.

For the student, the program is an intensive, 10 week experience in Colonial
archaeology. The first week includes lectures on history, archaeological
methods and material culture studies. Students learn artifact identification by
working with one of the best archaeological collections of Colonial material in
the country.  During the following weeks, students participate in excavation,
recording and analysis. Guest scholars speak on the history and architecture of
the Chesapeake region. Field trips to nearby archaeological sites in Maryland
and Virginia are planned.  Students have the rare opportunity to learn about
and help sail the MARYLAND DOVE, a replica of a 17th century, square rigged
tobacco ship.

The HSMC field school is designed for students in American Studies,
Anthropology, Archaeology, History, and Museum Studies. Students may register
for either Anthropology or History credits.  Prior experience or course work is
not required. The ability to engage in active physical labor is essential.  A
total of eight (8) credit hours are offered through St. Mary’s College of
Maryland, a state honors college dedicated to the Liberal Arts.  The program
costs $1200 which covers tuition.  There is a $60 fee to cover the cost of the
major field trips.  Housing is available at a reduced cost through the college.
Transportation, food and entertainment are the responsibility of the student.
HSMC is located two hours south of Washington, D.C. in Southern Maryland.

To apply to the 2005 HSMC Archaeology Field School, send a letter stating your
interest in the course and listing any relevant classes, experience, or special
skills. Include the phone numbers of two academic references.  Please list a
phone number and address both at school and at home where you can be reached
after the semester is over.  Housing is limited so apply early.  For specific
questions about the course, email: [log in to unmask] or call (240) 895 4975.
Send letters to:Archaeology Program,    Department of Research & Collections,
HSMC, P.O. Box 39 , St. Mary's City, Maryland 20686  Application Deadline: 6
May 2005



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