Mission: To study, interpret, preserve and enhance public awareness of Maryland's archaeological heritage -- created by the state's diverse inhabitants over the past 12,000 years. Since its inception in 1964, lay and professional archaeologists of the statewide organization annually participate in numerous events and activities, including workshops, excavations, lectures, displays and processing and cataloging artifacts.

Latest accomplishment: Publication of "Feast of the Dead: Aboriginal Ossuaries in Maryland," a book about communal graves in which the skeletal remains of multiple individuals, gathered from their original places of burial -- often years after death -- have been reburied.

On the horizon: During April, the society celebrates the state's archaeology month in cooperation with the state's office of archaeology. Under the theme "Preserving the Past for the Future," more than 40 digs and archaeology workshops, tours, lectures and exhibits are scheduled throughout Maryland. "American Spirits: The Archaeology of Religion" will be discussed at the 34th annual spring symposium on archaeology, April 17 at the People's Resource Center, 100 Community Place in Crownsville. And May 7-17 is the 29th annual field session in Maryland archaeology. Volunteers are invited to help excavate the 17th- and early-18th-century port of Charles Town, the first county seat in Prince George's County.

About the Archeological Society: Membership: 556 members in nine chapters. Operating budget: $12,500. Endowment/special funds: $71,000.

Where and when: Inquiries can be mailed to 4302 Crow Rock Road, Myersville, Md. 21773-8826. Call 301-293-2708. For a free booklet on Maryland's archaeology month events, call 410-514-7661.

Louise E. Akerson, president of the board of trustees: "People unschooled in archaeological methods organized the Archeological Society of Maryland in 1964 because they had a passion -- the discipline of archaeology and the preservation of Maryland's archaeological record through scientific investigation. Members volunteer many hours researching, excavating, analyzing and reporting their finds to the community. They also actively encourage others to participate through hands-on educational programs."

Members of the board

Toni Ahrens

Tyler Bastian

Rebecca Boone

Varna Boyd

Daniel Coates

Katherine Dinnel

Carol Ebright

Nancy Geasey

Carolyn Gryczkowski

Richard Hughes

Stephen Israel

Susan Langley

Charles McVeigh

Robert Newberry

Lois Nutwell

Edward Otter

Barry Phelps

Alison Pooley

Joseph Reinhart

James Sorenson

Sean Sweeney

Marilyn Thompson

Pub Date: 04/04/99