Ecphora gardenerae is Maryland’s state fossil shell.
Arrowheads are exciting finds when searching areas once inhabited by Native Americans, such as Pig Point in southern Anne Arundel County and many shoreline mittens on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Hunting for fossils, arrowheads, and sea glass is a great way to explore nature, learn regional history, and make unique discoveries
Artifact hunting is a captivating pursuit that allows individuals to unearth pieces of history, offering glimpses into the lives of those who came before us. Among the diverse array of artifacts, three categories stand out for both their historical significance and the thrill they provide to collectors: fossils, arrowheads, and sea glass.
Fossil hunting is a journey through time, as enthusiasts traverse landscapes in search of preserved remnants of ancient life. Fossils are like nature’s time capsules, offering a window into the Earth’s rich history. Whether it’s the imprint of a prehistoric leaf or the skeletal remains of a long-extinct creature, each fossil tells a unique story about the evolution of our planet. It’s a journey that combines scientific curiosity with a sense of adventure, as each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle of our planet’s history.
Maryland’s geological diversity makes it an ideal destination for fossil hunters. James Stedman of the Maryland Geological Society expresses how fossil discovery can vary from one side of the state to the other. “I have collected in [multiple] regions…and the methods of collecting in each are very different. Western Maryland fossil hunting can involve searching roadcuts and quarries, breaking rocks, etc. In contrast, many of the fossils found in the Atlantic Coastal Plain are through exploring bay, river, and creek shorelines.”
One particularly renowned area for fossil hunting is the Calvert Cliffs along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. These cliffs, composed of sedimentary rocks from the Miocene epoch, hold a wealth of marine fossils dating back 10 to 20 million years. The Calvert Cliffs attract paleontology enthusiasts eager to explore the ancient seabed preserved in the rock layers. Fossil hunters gather daily at Calvert Cliffs, often discovering sharks and ray teeth, shells, and even the remains of marine mammals. The thrill of finding a fossilized remnant from the Miocene era is complemented by the stunning coastal scenery, making the hunt both educational and visually rewarding. Home to several amateur fossil hunting groups, the nearby Calvert Marine Museum in Solomon, Maryland, is a fantastic place to learn more about fossil hunting origins in Maryland and view specimens of Ecphora gardenerae, Maryland’s state fossil shell. Several galleries and exhibits feature fossils throughout the ages, a massive, 35-foot megalodon skeleton replica, and an overview of how our state’s climate and environment has evolved through millennia.
To make your own fossil discovery in Maryland, consider using several essential tools, including a sturdy rock hammer for breaking apart sedimentary rock, a chisel for delicate excavation, and a soft brush for cleaning and revealing fossilized specimens without causing damage.
A collection of small, fossilized sharks and ray teeth gathered from the beachfront at Calvert Cliffs State Park.
Arrowhead hunting is a pursuit deeply rooted in human history, linking modern-day enthusiasts with the skills and tools of ancient civilizations. These small, pointed artifacts served as crucial tools and weapons for Native Americans, reflecting their resourcefulness and adaptability. Today, arrowhead hunting is a way to bridge the gap between contemporary life and the ancient past. Hunters often search in areas with historical significance, such as former Native American settlements or battlegrounds. The thrill of uncovering an arrowhead lies not just in the physical artifact, but also the story it may impart about the people who crafted and used it. Each find is a tangible connection to the daily lives, hunting practices, and cultural traditions of those who lived centuries ago.
Pig Point in Anne Arundel County, located at the southern end of the Parris N. Glendening Nature Preserve’s walking trails, should be on everyone’s must-visit list. From 2009 to 2014, archeologists led by Dr. Al Luckenbach excavated prehistoric sites that had been noted as potentially significant; what they discovered would be deemed as one of the most important pre-contact Native American historical sites in Maryland. Overlooking the Patuxent River, Pig Point was home to over five ceremonial pits, bones from which date back over 10,000 years. It is believed that the inhabitants of the time thought Pig Point had a magical sense of place and, thus, they practiced various rituals and ceremonies there.
Although hikers and visitors to Pig Point should not disturb these once-sacred grounds, searching the adjacent shorelines and woods is permitted. Arrowhead hunting demands a keen eye and simple tools. Enthusiasts may use a small trowel for poking into soil and a fine-mesh sieve to help sift through sediment and uncover small artifacts.
Collecting sea glass is especially popular along Maryland’s many accessible Chesapeake shorelines and Atlantic beaches.
If you’re interested in joining like-minded enthusiasts for a group hunt, consider the Natural History Society of Maryland, located in Baltimore. The Society hosts Fossil Club meetings on the first Wednesday of every month, Archaeology Club meetings every third Wednesday of the month, and offers various field trips throughout the year to find fossils or artifacts.
Sea glass gathering offers a unique twist to artifact hunting, taking enthusiasts to coastal shores in search of weathered and tumbled glass fragments or historic shards. The hunt combines the allure of the beach with the excitement of discovering hidden treasures washed ashore. What begins as discarded glass transforms over time into smooth, frosted gems, polished by the relentless motion of the sea. Each piece of sea glass tells a tale of human activity, as it originates from broken bottles, jars, or other glass items lost or discarded in nearby waters or the vast ocean. Collectors are drawn to the vibrant colors and smooth textures of sea glass. Sea glass hunting along Maryland’s coast necessitates a slightly different toolkit. Protective footwear, as well as light gloves, are helpful when scouring beaches. A mesh bag or pouch is useful for collecting sea glass, which allows sand and water to filter out. Some hunters also use a sifter or small shovel for digging in the sand, as sea glass is often partially buried.
As the Calvert Cliffs in southern Calvert County, Maryland, weather and erode, fossilized remains of many prehistoric species may become exposed.
Maryland’s extensive shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and coastline along the Atlantic Ocean provide endless opportunities to search for sea glass. Beachcombers can explore popular spots like Ocean City or tucked-away beaches of the Eastern Shore. The Chesapeake Bay’s tidal cycles and the Atlantic’s constant wave action contribute to the weathering and smoothing of glass fragments, transforming them into colorful treasures. Even beaches near Annapolis, such as Sandy Point State Park, are known for yielding sea glass treasures. The historical maritime activity of the region has contributed diverse glass, China, and metallic pieces awaiting discovery.
Collectors even create unique jewelry or decorative art from their finds. To this end, the Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival may be right up your alley. Taking place on April 20th and 21st on the grounds of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, this festival will host many crafters who display various sea glass works of art, all available for purchase. In addition to the vendors, the museum will feature live music, food, drinks, and historic exhibitions.
With so many options available for making your first discovery, whether it’s sea glass, arrowheads, or fossils, you may wonder where to start. “In my opinion, the richest source of fossils in Maryland is the Calvert Cliffs that line the western edge of the Chesapeake Bay,” Stedman suggests.
Now…one question remains; What will you find next?
