Archaeology and Historic Preservation Programs

Anne Arundel County’s archaeology and historic preservation program operates within the Office of Environmental and Cultural Resources. Significant historic resources are preserved as a function of the County’s planning and subdivision review process. Historic resources, which include historic buildings, prehistoric and historic archaeological sites, cemeteries, and scenic and historic roads, add value to the new and existing development of the County and shall be preserved through careful and harmonious design of new subdivisions.

Incorporating the preservation of historic sites into current development safeguard’s the County’s historic and cultural heritage, stabilizes and improves property values, fosters civic pride, protects and enhances the County’s resources for citizens and visitors, serve as a stimulus to economic development, and ultimately strengthens the economy of the County. Such sites - once destroyed - can not be replaced.  

It is often cited as the model program in the State for the protection of cultural resources in local government. The State Historic Preservation Office recently consulted with the County’s preservation staff to better understand and to share our program with other jurisdictions that are developing and advancing their cultural resources programs. Likewise, local University preservation programs regularly seek out the County’s staff to speak with undergraduate and graduate classes about our preservation program.

Protection of these cultural resources enhances the general welfare of the residents of the County by giving its citizen’s a strong sense of history and is a critical component of development within the County. Cultural resources protection will be an integral part of the County Executive’s Goal to build the ‘Stewards of the Environment’ program.

The Lost Towns of Anne Arundel Project is an archaeological research and public education program which operates through Anne Arundel County’s Office of Environmental and Cultural Resources. The Project supports the efforts to preserve and protect cultural resources in the County and partners with many non-profit preservation groups throughout the County such as the Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation, Inc. (ACT), the London Town Foundation, Friends of Hancock’s Resolution, and many others. The Lost Towns Project, created by the county's Department of Planning and Code Enforcement in 1991, locates and explores colonial period sites throughout Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The professional staff of archaeologists, historians, and lab technicians works closely with history enthusiasts and the general public to involve them in the excitement of discovery and the joy of learning about the County's past. It has been our experience that public participation in original archaeological research strengthens the connection between past and present, increasing awareness and promoting historic and environmental preservation and conservation.