Phase II Archaeological Testing of the Hothouse Structure (18TA314), Talbot County, Maryland

Abstract

This report contains the results of the Phase II Archaeological Testing of the Wye House Hothouse Structure (18TA314). It is divided into the following sections: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Research Design and Methodology Chapter 3: Cultural Context and Historical Background Chapter 4: Previous Archaeological Investigations and Significant Architectural Structures Chapter 5: Archaeology and Interpretations Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations Chapter 1 of this report is an introduction to the Hothouse excavation in May 2012. Included within in this chapter are the dates of fieldwork, laboratory processing and analyses, as well as the identification of key project staff. Chapter 2 of this report details the project’s research design and methodology. Included within this chapter are the method employed during the research process of locating the structures, excavation, pollen sample recovery, and laboratory processing. In addition, this chapter lists the research questions that guided this fieldwork. Chapter 3 of this report details the cultural context and historical background of the Wye House Plantation, particularly surrounding the standing Greenhouse. Included within this chapter is a short history of the Wye House Plantation, scientific gardening, and a contextualization for understanding West African spirit practices. Chapter 4 of this report details reported archaeological excavations at the Wye House Plantation, particularly surrounding the standing Greenhouse. Chapter 5 of this report details the results of archaeological testing conducted at the Hothouse structure in May 2012. Included within this chapter is an account of stratigraphic layers, features, and significant artifacts encountered within individual test units. Also included within this chapter are interpretations of layers, features, and artifacts. Chapter 6 of this report details the conclusions based on the data recovered from these excavations and recommendations for further investigations.