Monocacy Archeological Society, MAS, Chapter of the Archeological Society of Maryland, Frederick, MD

monocacy archeology

The Monocacy Archeological Society promotes and encourages educational programs related to the archeological heritage of Frederick County and the surrounding region. MAS members volunteer at archeological sites and help to record and preserve archeological information that supports local research and promotes public interest in archeology.

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Public volunteers can learn how to work on local archeological dig sites throughout Maryland, here's what you need to know!

Have you found unusual objects on your property? Our avocational and professional archeologists will examine them with you at our meetings and discuss their relevance, but keep in mind that often a pointed rock looks like an Indian arrowhead! However, many odd finds ultimately link us to further investigation and sites of great archeological importance and knowledge.

Questions? Email Us, or call for more information at 301-378-0212

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Next Regular MAS Meeting, Wednesday May 8th

Preview of the 2013 Field Session

At the monthly meeting of the Monocacy Archeological Society information will be provided to those wishing to participate in the annual field session in Walkersville sponsored by the Archeological Society of Maryland. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the C. Burr Artz Library, 110 East Patrick Streeet, Frederick. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Information will be provided about what to expect at the site, what to bring, the logistcs of attending and hopefully a schedule of activities will be available. The field session will be held from May 24 to June 3, 1013. This is a well-preserved multi-component Native American village. Excavators will be working under the direction of professional archeologists and there will be opportunities to work in a lab situation as well as actually participating in the "dig".

George Evans is going to talk about the surface collection at Biggs Ford in 2009 and bring samples of the artifacts that will likely be found during the field session. Bob Newbury has agreed to bring information about the "bow" found.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the C. Burr Artz Library, 110 East Patrick Street, Frederick, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, all 301-378-0212 - The program is free and open to the public.

Please note that our June meeting will be held in the Tech Lab Room of the Library, second floor toward the creek side of the building.

Additional Events:

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Other Events of Archeological and Historical Interest:

Special Event!

May 24, until June 2nd, 2013 the ASM Field School archeological dig will be held in Frederick County! The Site will likely be Biggs Ford, near Walkersville, MD. An opportunity for interested individuals to join a dig and learn more about local Native American prehistory.

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Best farm

Other Events:

Opening May - exhibit honoring the 275th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick. This anniversary date is based on the 1738 date for the founding of the Monocacy "log" Church. The exhibit will be open during regular hours of the Historical Society.

June 12 - MAS Meeting, Carrie Albee of URS on registering historical sites, 6:00 p.m., Community Room

June 14-24 Field session at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Leonardtown, St. Mary's County

No meetings in July or August.

September 11 - Troy Novak, underwater archeology related to the War of 1812. Regularly scheduled MAS meeting.

Past Chapter Projects:

Rosenstock Site - Late Woodland village site, worked from 1979 to 1992, recently preserved by the Archeological Conservancy. It was discovered in the early twentieth century and collected by locals, it can be called the "first city" of Frederick, as suceeding village complexes were used here by Native Americans over hundreds of years and yields important insights into the connections between sites along the Potomac River and known sites further north. More Info Here. A hocker figure made from deer bone found on the site was used as an element of the Frederick Dreaming artwork.

Claggett Retreat Site Field School and Swomley Artifacts Display at C Burr Artz Library, Frederick. Article and Video

Read about local Chapter Member George Evans and his archeological pursuits.

Wise Farm and Fox Gap Sites

The Wise Farmstead and Fox Gap Portion of the South Mountain Battlefield. The Wise Farmstead (ca 1858 to 1879) was the home and farm of Daniel Wise and his family, located in a beautiful ridge top setting on the crest of the Blue Ridge in central Maryland.

May 2003, ASM Field School at the Winslow Site

A late Woodland native American village site. Who were these people, and why did they come here, why did they disappear, and where did they go? Many questions and many eager volunteers seeking the answers.

Monocacy National Battlefield, Best Farm Site

A Civil War battlefield and encampment site. A French Carribbean family with perhaps the most slaves in the County. A barn built unlike any other North of Louisiana. Also native American sites.

Antietam Battlefield - Civil War

Metal detecting for artifacts on the battlefield, and the replanting of the 1860's orchard with the heirloom apple varieties that were cut to the ground by bullets during the battle.

Beatty Cramer House Initial Exploration

One of Frederick's earliest remaining historic structures and unique in Maryland for its construction styles. A rare example of Dutch architectural features brought down from New York state by a widowed woman and her large family. Test pits were completed to aid in placing new parking as the site is restored and opened more frequently to the public.

The Search for the Lost Monocacy Log Church

Long before the clustered spires, a fabled, simple log structure served as the focal point of religious life in Frederick County. A few clues from the reports of missionary Palantine Ministers hint at its location without any certainty. From the old German diaries we glean a few clues and believe we have a sense of where the church may have been located, and its not where everyone seems to believe from local markers. But ground penetrating radar yields no further proof.

Local avocational archeologist and regionally respected Chapter Member Spencer Geasey donates his archeological library to Frederick.

McKee