Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Maryland — 560-acre archaeological preserve on the Patuxent River — over 70 identified archaeological sites spanning 9,000 years! The museum houses Maryland’s state archaeology collections. The property was donated by Mary Marvin Breckinridge Patterson, a WWII correspondent.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Maryland |
About Jefferson Patterson
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County preserves 560 acres along the Patuxent River where 9,000 years of human history have been documented through archaeology. Over 70 archaeological sites span from Paleo-Indian camps through colonial plantations. The park serves as the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory — housing over 8 million artifacts from across the state. The War of 1812 Patuxent River flotilla battle occurred in these waters.
Things to Do
Touring the archaeology lab (8 million artifacts), walking the 2.5-mile farm trail, visiting reconstructed Native American sites, attending cultural festivals, canoeing the Patuxent River, and exploring 9,000 years of Maryland history.
History & Ecology
The park’s archaeological collection spans every era of Maryland habitation — from Paleo-Indian spear points to 18th-century plantation artifacts. The MAC Lab processes and stores artifacts from across the state using museum-grade conservation techniques. Annual Celtic Festival (April) and Indian Market (October) draw thousands of visitors. The 2.5-mile Farm Trail passes historic farm buildings and river overlooks.
Insider Tips
Archaeological treasure: Jefferson Patterson Park contains 70+ archaeological sites spanning 9,000 years — one of the richest archaeological landscapes on the East Coast. Pro tip: The Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory here houses 8+ million artifacts — the state’s central repository. War of 1812: The Battle of St. Leonard Creek (1814) was fought in waters visible from the park.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Archaeology programs and river views. Fall: Comfortable touring. Spring: Wildflowers and birding. Year-round: Museum open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What artifacts were found here?
The park’s 70+ sites span from Paleo-Indian (9,000 years ago) through Colonial periods. Artifacts include stone tools, pottery, colonial ceramics, and Civil War-era items. The Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab on-site houses 8+ million artifacts from across the state — one of the largest archaeological collections in the US. Public programs let visitors participate in real archaeological excavations.
