Anthropology undergraduates participate on NSF-funded excavations in Maryland
Anthropology undergraduates Brianna LeBlanc, Jessica Old and Virginia Nastase were selected from among a highly competitive national pool of applicants to participate in the NSF-REU-funded excavations at the site of West Ashcom in Calvert County, Maryland during the summer of 2021. The students recount their experience and the plans they have for continuing their archaeological research in the future.
Over the summer, we were given the opportunity to participate in an internship through the NSF-REU program. The field school took place in Calvert County, Maryland where the first settlement in the state took place in the 1630s. The field school's research, guided by Dr. Liza Gijanto, was focused on a plot of land called West Ashcom, owned by the Ashcom family from 1649 to 1793.
Before going into the field, we were able to learn about artifact conservation through a partnership with the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab. The lab also gave us an inside look at the cataloging process of artifacts within the collections management area, which we were able to do with the artifacts excavated from West Ashcom. Notable cataloged artifacts include pieces of detailed ceramic, a cannonball, projectile points and posthole features.
We also worked with Dr. Larsen to understand how to analyze artifacts, specifically brick, to understand their chemical makeup. Our independent research focused on the manorial system put in place by Governor Calvert and whether the Ashcom family would have attempted such. After extensive research into the Ashcoms and artifacts found at the site, we were able to determine there was sufficient evidence showing the Ashcom's were attempting to follow through.
This research inspired us to submit a poster for the Society of Historical Archaeology's annual conference. Our proposal was recently accepted and will be presenting our findings at the conference in Philadelphia in January 2022!
By Brianna LeBlanc and Jessica Old