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Archeaology dig at Oakley CabinArchaeology Program

EVENTS & CAMPS | VOLUNTEERS | CONTACT US

Archaeology is history ... from the ground up!

The Archaeology Program identifies, manages, and interprets archaeological sites on parkland and provides opportunities to consider the effects of land use decisions on cultural resources.

Excavations contribute to public education programs, restorations, park development plans and mitigation of construction projects. The program provides for the stewardship of non-renewable archaeological resources and an opportunity for public participation in discovering our human past right in your back yard .

Since 1984, high school students have broadened their curriculum through our award-winning volunteer program. The Department of Parks provides projects in fieldwork and laboratory analysis and a fieldschool experience through our camps. Adults can also join in the fun through a cooperative venture with the Archaeology Society of Maryland Mid-Potomac Chapter.

Examing a sampleEvents & Camps

We have many fun, interesting and adventurous activities planned. 2013 Archaeology Events Flyer PDF (479KB)

Family Archaeology Day

Saturday, May 4 | 10 am – 3 pm | $8 per person | $15 family at the event
Needwood Mansion, 6700 Needwood Road, Derwood, MD

Needwood Mansion opens its doors to the public for a day of investigating archaeology. An introduction to archaeology for all ages, Family Archaeology Day features a public dig at Needwood Mansion with Parks Archaeologist Heather Bouslog and archaeology program volunteers. BROUGHT TO YOU BY: The Archaeology Society of Maryland, Mid-Potomac Chapter and M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks

  • Learn about the history of the Needwood property and the people who built the mansion
  • view the site where the slave house was located
  • Help excavate a dig and assist with lab work
  • Meet Dr. Stonestreet, a Rockville physician during the Civil War;
  • Find out what ladies wore during the era of the hoop
  • Play old time games.
  • Be sure to bring a bag lunch and digging clothes!

An Archaeology volunteer on a digArchaeology Camps

What do archaeologists really do? Find out what it takes to be an archaeologist! Investigate Montgomery County’s history from the ground up with archeologists from M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks. All camps are approved for SSL hours and fulll all requirements for a Boy Scout Archeology Merit Badge. - Register at ParkPass.org

Spring Break Camps

Get a hands-on introduction to archaeology in this 5-day camp. Work side-by-side with Park Archaeologists on a real-live archaeological site, and do what archaeologists do. You'll dig it! Reduced fees are available for qualified applicants.

Monday through Friday | 9 am to 3 pm | Open to ages 10 and up | $270.00
Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD - Register at ParkPass.org

  • March 25 to 29 - parkpass # 235354
  • April 1 to 5 - parkpass # 235355
Summer Camps

Archaeology Leader Training Workshop
Want to become an awesome camp counselor, get hands-on archaeological experience and earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours? Sign up for this ten-day workshop! In the first week, you'll learn the basics of archaeological methods, get CPR training, and practice creating and planning camp activities. The second week we'll dig into the real thing! You'll work with campers, and have an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback in our counselors' afternoon roundtables.

Monday - Friday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm | Ages 14 and up | $395.00
Needwood Mansion 6700 Needwood Road, Derwood, MD - Register at ParkPass.org

  • June 17 to 28 - parkpass #228159

Archaeology Camps for Children
Get a hands-on introduction to archaeology in this 5-day camp. Work side-by-side with Park Archaeologists on a real-live archaeological site, and do what archaeologists do. You'll dig it! Reduced fees are available for qualified applicants. Email Heather.Bouslog@MontgomeryParks.org for more information.

Monday through Friday | 9:00am to 3:00pm | Ages 9 to 13 | sessions $270.00
Needwood Mansion 6700 Needwood Road, Derwood, MD - Register at ParkPass.org

  • Session 1 – June 24 to 28 parkpass # 228149
  • Session 2 – July 1 to 5 parkpass # 228150 *
  • Session 3 – July 8 to 12 parkpass # 228151
  • Session 4 – July 15 to 19 parkpass # 228152
  • Session 5 – July 22 to 26 parkpass # 228153

* Session 2 prices are reduced. This session runs 4-days only due to the July 4th holiday - Day Camp $216.00

Aftercare Sessions

3:00pm to 5:30pm | $75.00 per session
Needwood Mansion 6700 Needwood Road, Derwood, MD
Kids can practice their atlatl skills (a prehistoric hunting weapon), go on a scavenger hunt, take a paddleboat ride on Lake Needwood, play a board game and more during this supervised free time.

  • Session 1 – June 24 to 28 parkpass #228154
  • Session 2 – July 1 to 5 parkpass #228155 *
  • Session 3 – July 8 to 12 parkpass #228156
  • Session 4 – July 15 to 19 parkpass #228157
  • Session 5 – July 22 to 26 parkpass #228158

* Session 2 prices are reduced. This session runs 4-days only due to the July 4th holiday - Aftercare $60.00

Volunteers

Volunteers are one of our best assets! Montgomery Parks encourages the involvement and participation of individuals in its program and at its facilities. Contact Us .

  • Where: Activities are based out of Needwood Mansion.
    Depending on the weather and the work requirements, we will either be in the lab or in the field.
  • Time: Wednesdays mornings from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm

Contact Us

Last Update: January 28, 2013