Archaeological Survey
Archaeological survey helps identify, document and protect the places, artifacts and cultural landscapes that tell Maryland’s story. The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) surveys archaeological sites on land and underwater to turn discoveries in the field into knowledge that supports planning, documentation and policy across the state. MHT also supports archaeological survey and documentation projects through collaboration, technical assistance, permitting and funding.
Why archaeology matters
Archaeology gives us a clearer picture of how Marylanders lived and shaped their communities over thousands of years based on the things they left behind. By locating and documenting sites, MHT:
- Builds an official record of Maryland’s cultural resources
- Guides planning and development decisions at the state and local levels
- Supports compliance with environmental and cultural resource laws
- Protects heritage for future generations
Terrestrial archaeology
MHT’s terrestrial archaeologists survey sites across the state, from farms and homesteads to industrial sites and Indigenous cultural landscapes.
Our team and partners:
- Identify and survey archaeological sites using field investigations and archival research
- Record findings in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties
- Support planning decisions by providing data and guidance to local governments and developers
- Conduct site documentation to help evaluate potential impacts from development or land use changes
Underwater archaeology
Maryland’s rivers, bays and coastal waters preserve shipwrecks, historic ports and other submerged cultural sites. Underwater archaeologists document these resources to expand our understanding of the state’s maritime heritage by:
- Using sonar, diving, and GPS to locate and map shipwrecks and other submerged sites
- Reporting findings and maintaining records in partnership with state and federal agencies
- Helping to protect sensitive underwater sites from looting or accidental damage
- Providing technical data that informs coastal development, conservation and heritage programs
How we do the work
MHT uses a systematic approach to locate, document and manage submerged and terrestrial sites:
- Site identification through maps, research and field surveys
- Field investigations to document site conditions and collect limited artifacts
- Lab processing to clean, catalog and analyze collected materials
- Data entry and reporting to create official statewide records
- Application of findings to support planning, development review and preservation efforts
Artifacts recovered through MHT projects are conserved and curated at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard.
For a deeper look at how site data contributes to statewide documentation, see the Archaeological Synthesis Database page.
Collaboration & support
MHT works with archaeologists, tribal partners, universities, consulting firms and local governments to coordinate archaeological survey efforts statewide. We also manage the state’s archaeological permitting system, which supports responsible investigations on public lands and waters.
Qualified professionals can:
- Request historic and cultural property data and access archaeological site data through Medusa.
- Apply for archaeological permits through MHT.
- Contact MHT staff for technical guidance and project coordination.
For details about funding for archaeological survey and documentation, visit our Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grant page.
Access to archaeological records is restricted to qualified archaeologists. To learn more and request access, visit Medusa’s "request user account” page.
Learn more & get involved
MHT supports hands-on public experiences, like the Annual Tyler Bastian Field Session, where volunteers work alongside professional archaeologists.
To learn about our annual events, visit the Archaeology Annual Events page.
To learn about volunteering, visit the Archaeology Volunteers page.