Archaeology in Annapolis
On Sunday, May 23, 2010 Professor of Anthropology and Archaeologist Mark Leone held a presentation and walking tour in Annapolis, Maryland as part of the “Did You Know?” Lecture Series sponsored by the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences’ Alumni Chapter. Leone’s audience, which included 26 behavioral and social sciences alumni as well as graduate and undergraduate students, were provided with an informative background on Annapolis’ rich cultural and archaeological history.
The presentation was held at Harry Browne’s, a restaurant located in the heart of Maryland’s capital city, followed by a walking tour through the streets of Annapolis. The walking tour led participants by the Maryland State House, the William Paca House and Garden and the Charles Carroll House.
The Maryland State House is the oldest capitol still in continuous legislative use and it is the only state house to have ever served as the nation’s capitol. The Continental Congress met in the Old Senate Chamber from November 26, 1783 to August 13, 1784. During that time, George Washington came before Congress to resign his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
Charles Carroll was the only Roman Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and the last survivor of all 56 signers; he died in 1832. He and his family played a major role in framing the governance of Maryland and the emerging United States. The Charles Carroll House (pictured left) is a prominent example of Annapolis’ cultural and aesthetic vibrancy.
The William Paca House and Garden stands in the center of the Historic District of the City of Annapolis. William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence and former governor of Maryland, built his Annapolis house and garden in the early 1760s. Paca owned the property until 1780.
Leone approaches archaeology in a way that provides younger generations with an understanding of their heritage so that they may be a part of making history themselves. Lisa Parzow, president of the college’s alumni chapter, said, “A social event became a learning experience on a beautiful Sunday afternoon while walking through Annapolis, exploring archeological sites I didn’t even know existed. Dr. Leone’s passion for the subject was infectious and he presented the information in both a fun and informative way. When I got home, my curiosity led me to Google some of the discussion points mentioned on the tour. I will never look at Annapolis the same way.”
Professor Mark Leone is the author of The Archaeology of Liberty in an American Capital: Excavations in Annapolis, Invisible America: Unearthing Our Hidden History and Roots of Modern Mormonism. His book, The Archaeology of Liberty in an American Capital: Excavations in Annapolis, won The Society for Historical Archaeology James Deetz Award in 2008. Leone’s career at the University of Maryland began in 1976. During his tenure he served as chair of the Department of Anthropology twice, and he currently serves as the director of the University of Maryland Field School in Urban Historical Archaeology since 1983. In 2010, Leone won the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences’ Dean’s Medal for his outstanding records of contribution to the college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Tufts University, and received his master’s and doctoral degrees in anthropology from the University of Arizona. Leone’s research focuses on North American archaeology, historical archaeology and outdoor history museums.
For more information on Professor Mark Leone, the Department of Anthropology and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, please visit www.bsos.umd.edu.
