Archaeological Synthesis Database
For more than 60 years, the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and its partners have recorded thousands of archaeological sites across the state. MHT created the Archaeological Synthesis Database to make this information more useful to researchers.
This database gathers site information, excavation report summary information, and research results into one searchable system. It helps archaeologists, planners, and researchers find the information they need to conduct new investigations, understand Maryland’s history and make better preservation decisions.
One database search option contains information available to the general public, and a second search option is restricted to qualified archaeologists.
What's included
The Archaeological Synthesis Database brings together information from decades of fieldwork and turns it into accessible data that:
- Combines results from many excavations into statewide research themes
- Makes previous findings available for modern research and analysis
- Creates digestible information to aid researchers
This searchable database includes two reports for each site listed:
A summary report, which describes the site environment, historic background, work completed, what was found, and why it matters.
A reference sheet, which provides report information like author, archaeological contractor, research goals, and where to find the reports.
Two levels of data access
The publicly accessible database provides general information and approximate site locations.
Precise data can only be provided to qualified researchers (professional archaeologists), who can request full access through Medusa.
How are data used?
The Archaeological Synthesis Database supports research and planning across Maryland. Professionals use the data to:
- Search and compare information from hundreds of archaeological sites
- Locate previous excavations within a specific region or time period
- Identify patterns in Maryland’s settlement, industry, and land use
- Support preservation reviews under state and federal law
- Plan new fieldwork that fills knowledge gaps
Researchers can use summary reports to get key details quickly, then request full reports for deeper analysis.