Volunteers are needed for ALL types of projects in Montgomery County 
Learning & Participating in Archaeology
Archaeology is history from the ground up.
The gridded squares of a dig uncover artifact-bearing soils which reveal changes over time. For every hour in the field, four are needed in the laboratory to wash, analyze, catalog, conserve, mend, and photograph.
Yet, archaeology goes beyond just material things. Cultural ideas shape objects, and objects shape the culture. Since 1984, high school students have broadened their curriculum through our award-winning Volunteer in Archaeology Program. The Department of Park & Planning provides projects in fieldwork and laboratory analysis and a fieldschool experience. Adult participation is also available through a cooperative venture with the Mid-Potomac Chapter of the Archaeology Society of Maryland.
History in Your Backyard
As stewards of most of Montgomery County's stream valleys, the Department of Parks & Planning also oversees most of the County's archaeological sites.
Prehistoric peoples camped near water for drinking, hunting, and gathering. They also used stream valleys as trails in and out of the area. Modern settlers used the same fast-flowing creeks for agriculture and rural industries, as evidenced by the millroads and Park mill sites that dot the landscape. As our County becomes more urbanized, these archaeological resources will now be preserved within the public trust.
Above: Valley Mill (Paint Branch Regional Park)
Left: Laytonsville Elementary School Students Identify Artifacts
The Department of Park & Planning Archaeology Program identifies, manages, and interprets archaeological sites on Parkland. The archaeology program provides and opportunity to consider the effects of land use decisions on cultural resources. Excavations contribute to public education programs, restorations, park development plans and mitigation of Park and non-Park construction projects. The program provides for stewardship of non-renewable archaeological resources and the opportunity for public participation in discovering our human past in our Montgomery County Parks.
Last updated: July 24, 2008
