Unearth Lost Towns with Archaeologists - Atlas Obscura Experiences

Unearth Lost Towns with Archaeologists

2.5 hours
$50 per person
Up to 10 people
See Dates
$50 per person
Lothian, Maryland
What We’ll Do

In a wooded area of the 1,700-acre Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, we’ll get our hands dirty at a unique excavation site, rediscovering a centuries-old Native American village with the Lost Towns Project. My crew and I will begin the workshop with a tour of Pindell Bluffs, showcasing the artifacts we've already discovered. We’ll also demonstrate common techniques used in archaeology fieldwork. Then you'll get to work, sifting and processing artifacts. Recently at this site, helpers and archeologists have found 8,000-year-old projectile points, ceramics, and ritualistically "killed" gorgets—purposefully broken pendants buried symbolically. These findings are among the most important discoveries in the Mid-Atlantic region, helping us better understand Native American populations who lived here thousands of years ago.

Where We’ll Be

The 1,700-acre Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is a public park rich in stone tools, projectile points, animal bones, and other prehistoric objects. Recent discoveries include one of the oldest artifacts found in Maryland: a 13,000-year-old Clovis point. In order to protect the privacy and integrity of the site, the exact location will be sent to attendees a few days prior to the event.

About Your Host
Lost Towns
Lost Towns

Hi. I’m Dr. Zac, a member of the Atlas Obscura community.

I am an expert in prehistoric cultures of the Eastern seaboard, specializing in lithic studies (stone tools!) and Paleo Indian research. I’ve led investigations at dozens of archaeological sites along Maryland's Patuxent River. I am also a member of the Lost Towns Project, a non-profit with a mission to bring the public on archaeological adventures with real archaeologists to discover, explore, and help preserve historic sites throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The Lost Towns team brings together professionals, volunteers, and students to study real sites, from Native American villages to 17th-century colonial towns. Our research and findings are often published in professional journals.

For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.

What Else You Should Know

This is an outdoor event and highly interactive.
All participants must complete the liability waiver that will be sent, along with additional guidelines, prior to our adventure. For this event, the normal training period has been waived.
Be prepared to lift buckets, kneel, dig, and get dirty!

Group Size

There are 10 spots available on this experience.

Who Can Come

Guests ages 13 and up can attend.

- This event is highly interactive and we will be outdoors for a majority of it.
- You will need to stand for a majority of this event.
- There's a short hike into the site over uneven terrain.

What to Bring
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Closed-toed footwear
  • Water
  • Bug spray and gardening gloves recommended
Cancellation Policy

Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.

What We’ll Provide
Equipment

Archaeology tools and equipment.

Dates and Availability

There are no upcoming experiences at the moment. Fill out the form below to be notified when we add new dates.

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