Programs

AN ABUNDANT AND FRUITFUL LAND: AN OVERVIEW OF HUMAN USE OF THE CHESAPEAKE THROUGH HISTORY

The early settlers commented on the richness of the land and waters of the Chesapeake Region. But how have people used the environment of this region over millennia? When did humans begin causing major environmental changes? Using evidence ranging from fish bones to shipping records, this lecture by Henry Miller evaluates human use and impact upon the Chesapeake from the perspectives of archaeology and history. Particular emphasis is given to the colonial and nineteenth-century periods and the subjects of land use and the harvesting of estuarine resources.

Requires slide projector; Power Point presentation can be made upon request.

Adult audiences.

Henry Miller is Director of Research for Maryland's state museum at St. Mary's City, the founding site and seventeenth-century capital of Lord Baltimore's colony. He is an historical archaeologist with over thirty years of experience in the Chesapeake region and work on colonial Maryland. His research interests include colonial architecture, foods, ceramics, the domestic landscape, and city design. Dr. Miller has a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in the field of Anthropology.