Explore St. Mary’s History @ Two Weekend Events

Two young visitors examine artifacts at a screening table with help from students at the HSMC Field School of Historical Archaeology. (Historic St. Mary’s City photo)

Two events this weekend will allow visitors to learn more about St. Mary’s County’s history.

Historic St. Mary’s City invites history enthusiasts, families, and lifelong learners of all ages to uncover over 10,000 years of history at the annual Tidewater Archaeology Weekend, taking place June 6-7, 2025, from 10am to 4pm each day. This event offers a glimpse into the world of archaeology at one of the nation’s most significant cultural landscapes.

During this special weekend, visitors can tour active excavation sites, speak directly with archaeologists, and learn how artifacts reveal the stories of the people who once called this land home. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or a curious child – there’s something for everyone.

Event Highlights

Screening with Staff. Step into the field and explore the ongoing excavations at St. Mary’s Fort alongside archaeologists as they sift through layers of history.

• Friday, June 6 (HSMC Members Only): 10am to noon
• Friday, June 6 (Open to Public): Noon to 4pm
• Saturday, June 7 (Open to Public): 10am to 4pm

St. Mary’s Fort Tours. Tour the site of St. Mary’s Fort, established in 1634, and see ongoing excavations that are revealing the earliest chapters of Maryland’s history.

• Friday & Saturday: 11am, 1pm, and 2:30pm

Behind-the-Scenes Lab Tours. Open the doors at the Anne Arundel Hall archaeology laboratory, where artifacts are cleaned, sorted, and analyzed. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up at the visitor center when you arrive.

• Friday & Saturday: 11am and 2:30pm

St. John’s Site Museum Tour. Step inside the St. John’s Site Museum and explore the layers of history preserved beneath your feet. This remarkable site reveals the remains of a 17th-century building that once served as a home, inn, ordinary, and assembly space – a place where decisions were made, lives were shaped, and freedoms were contested.

• Friday & Saturday: 1pm

Brick Chapel Exhibit Tour. Receive a guided tour of the iconic Brick Chapel, a reconstructed 17th-century church that stands as a powerful symbol of Maryland’s early commitment to religious tolerance.

• Friday & Saturday: 2:30pm

Admission: All activities are included with regular museum admission. Free for members.

For more information, visit hsmcdigshistory.org or call 301-994-4370.

 

St. Clement’s Island Heritage Day, a family-friendly event from 10am to 3pm June 7, 2025, will be held at St. Clement’s Island Museum and St. Clement’s Island State Park. The public is encouraged to visit and become acquainted with the island’s past through activities relating to its history, culture, heritage, and ecology.

Come celebrate the history and heritage of St. Clement’s Island with a variety of fun and free activities, including crafts, games, lighthouse tours, traditional music, and much more. The museum will be open, offering free admission and free water taxi rides to the island for visitors throughout the day.

Sample of Activities

• Music by local guitarist Joe Norris.
• Tours of the Blackistone Lighthouse.
• Interpreter portraying Dr. Thomas Gerard, the first owner of St. Clement’s Island, who will offer insight into colonial living.
• Hands-on activities and old-fashioned summer games.
• St. Mary’s County Library will offer genealogical resource information to help you get started with your family history in the museum building on the mainland.
• Try your hand at quilling and other crafts of yesteryear at the museum building on the mainland.
• Blacksmith demonstration will be held on the mainland on the museum grounds.
• Visit the one-room Charlotte Hall Schoolhouse on the mainland and participate in some old-time schoolhouse activities.

The last boat to the island departs from the museum pier at 2pm, and the final return boat leaves the island at 3pm.

For more information on this and other events happening at St. Clement’s Island Museum, call 301-769-2222 or visit and follow Facebook.com/SCIMuseum.