What do making ice cream, doing laundry and playing marbles have in common? They are all part of an exciting new program for fourth graders, created by and being run by JPPM docents, under the guidance of Education Director Kim Popetz. Entitled “Kids’ Work”, this program takes a look at what life was like for African American children growing up in post-Civil War Calvert County. Continue reading
Soon, it’ll be the 1st Sunday in June – and you know what that means! It’s time to celebrate Maryland’s rural heritage at JPPM’s Children’s Day on the Farm. Amuse yourself with fun hands-on activities, demonstrations, live animals, music, yummy food, and hay rides! Children’s Day has become a Southern Maryland tradition – a wholesome and enjoyable event for the whole family!
Pet your favorite farm animal
See what’s happening in the Indian Village
Second through fourth grade students from the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth returned to JPPM this year and we were happy to treat them to all that the Park has to offer. They learned native skills at our Indian Village, experienced archaeology at the Smith’s St. Leonard site, and experimented with artifact treatment techniques in the MAC Lab. Checking out a room with 8 million artifacts just added to the fun. The staff enjoyed working hands-on with these bright kids and hope they all had a great time discovering JPPM!
Learning about electrolytic reduction with conservators
Look at this way cool projectile point!
Half scruple apothecary weight
Each year, archaeologists and volunteers discover more about JPPM’s 18th-century Smith’s St. Leonard tobacco plantation site – and there’s still so much to learn! Find out all about archaeology and the Smith family through hands-on excavation at JPPM’s most popular public program. C’mon and get dirty! This year, maybe YOU’LL be the one to find a tobacco pipe bowl, or a silver coin, or maybe even another cellar…We’re out in the field now, come join us! Continue reading
Recently, the MAC Lab hosted a workshop to help answer that very question. Archaeologists, educators, interpreters, and docents gathered to hear “Archaeology FAQ” with Ed Chaney, Deputy Director of the MAC Lab and “Putting it in Practice,” with JPPM educator Kim Popetz, before being treated to several small group sessions; “Colonial Bling” with Sara Rivers Cofield, MAC Lab Federal Curator, “The Meaning of Fun” with assistant professor of History at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Kenneth Cohen, and “A Cigar is just a Cigar…or is It? – Determining Meanings from Artifacts” with Patricia Samford, Director of the MAC Lab. Participants were invited to examine many interesting examples from the more than 8 million artifacts curated at the MAC Lab and to add to their knowledge of the Historical Chesapeake’s material culture.
Sara Rivers Cofield discussing “Colonial Bling”
Kenneth Cohen explores “The Meaning of Fun”
*This workshop was sponsored by Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, Maryland Association of History Museums, Historic London Town and Gardens, Southern Maryland Museum Association, and the Archeological Society of Maryland.
**Many thanks to Rod Cofield, Director of Interpretation and Museum Programs at Historic London Town and Gardens, for coordinating this engaging workshop!
On September 24th, from 10am to 5pm, discover The Battle of St. Leonard Creek – JPPM’s War of 1812 Reenactment! Taking place at the site of Maryland’s largest Naval engagement, this living history event includes battle reenactments, demonstrations of 19th-century crafts and camp life, exhibits, and hands-on activities. Admission is $3 per person or $10 per vehicle. And don’t forget about Tavern Night after the event! The same evening from 6pm – 10pm, you can celebrate the spirit of 1812 in our version of a 19th-century tavern. Play games, sing songs, and prepare for lively entertainment! Food and beverage will be available. Tavern Night admission is $10 per person or $8 for Friends of JPPM members. Dress in period costume for a $2 discount on admission!
See reenactors in battle
Discover camp life
Join in!
The 1st Sunday of June every year, we invite you to enjoy Children’s Day at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. Activities include demonstrations and hands-on fun along with live entertainment, pony rides, games, food, and even an antique tractor parade. Stop by the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory, Public Archaeology site, and Indian Village for even more to see and learn! See you there!
Drilling the prehistoric way at the Indian Village.
See artifact conservation at the MAC Lab.
Play with a friend
Hello! I am ten years old and I volunteer at Public Archaeology. I love being a junior archeologist! It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Last year, I found a pig bone on the site. It was about 5 inches long! You find brick pieces and oyster shells and ceramic artifacts. You can do it too! Come find artifacts with us!
See you there!
Excavating a pig bone under the watchful eye of staff archaeologists
Interested in joining the fun? E-mail echaney@mdp.state.md.us for more information.
Maryland History by the Object 