DIG! St. Mary's Fort Excavation Experience (April 25)

Step into the boots of an archaeologist! Dig and screen alongside professionals at St. Mary’s Fort and help uncover Maryland’s past.

DIG! St. Mary’s Fort Excavation Experience

Step into the boots of an archeologist for a day! This hands-on excavation experience allows participants to dig and screen alongside professional archaeologists at the St. Mary’s Fort site at Historic St. Mary’s City. You’ll learn about archaeological methods, site safety, and how artifacts help us understand the past—all while contributing to active research.

Number of Participants: 4 to 8; all participants must be 18 years of age or older

The program will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registration includes:

• A full-day excavation experience
• Lunch at the St. Mary’s College Great Room
• A complimentary ticket to visit Historic St. Mary’s City at a later date
• A program keepsake
• A digital photo of you working on the site, which will be emailed the week following the program

Fee: $95/person

What will the day look like?

8:50–9:00 a.m. – Meet in St. Mary’s College of Maryland Parking Lot K

9:15–10:00 a.m. – Introductions, site tour, archaeology basics, and safety overview

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – Excavation and screening (with a short break)

12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch, Great Room, St. Mary’s College of Maryland

1:00–3:30 p.m. – Continued excavation and screening (with a short break)

3:30–4:00 p.m. – Wrap-up

Do I need any prior archaeological experience?

No, our archaeological team will introduce you to basic excavation methods and site safety.

Is it physically demanding?

Excavation can be moderately strenuous. Participants may:

• Dig with shovels
• Kneel or squat while troweling
• Stand for extended periods while screening soil

Shade tents are used when possible, but this is outdoor fieldwork, which can be taxing, especially in hot weather. Please assess your comfort level before registering and contact our Public Programs team if you have any questions.

How does lunch work?

You will receive a lunch voucher to eat in the Great Room of St. Mary’s College of Maryland Campus Center. The college dining facilities offer a variety of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections. For more information, please visit: https://stmarys.cafebonappetit.com/

What is the cancellation policy?

Excavation is weather-dependent for participant safety and to protect the site. Programs may be canceled due to:

• Heavy rain
• Thunder/lightning
• Extreme heat
• High winds

The team may cancel the program 16–48 hours in advance if severe weather is forecast or too few registrations are received. In that event, you may transfer to another available program date, opt for a full refund, or choose the donation option

If weather develops during the program:

• For programs ending before 11:00 a.m., you may transfer to another available program date, opt for a full refund, or choose the donation option
• For programs ending between 11:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., you may transfer to another available program date for half-price, opt for a 50% refund, or choose the donation option
• For programs ending after 2:15 p.m.: no refunds

Guest Cancellation:

Participants may cancel and request a full refund up until 1:00 p.m. EDT on the Wednesday before the scheduled program date. Due to the limited number of program slots, no refunds can be given after that time unless the program is cancelled by HSMC.

What forms are required?

Prior to the start of the program, you will be asked to complete and return a registration packet, which will include:

• Emergency form
• The Agreement and Release
• Photo release

All forms must be signed and returned to HSMC in order to participate in the program.

Why does this program matter?

Your participation supports ongoing archaeological research at St. Mary’s Fort and deepens public understanding of Maryland’s early history. This is a rare opportunity to contribute directly to the discovery and interpretation of the past. If you have additional questions, please contact Historic St. Mary’s City’s Public Programs Office by emailing hsmcc.groups@maryland.gov or calling 301-994-4372.

We look forward to digging into history with you!