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Historic Preservation Commission outlines archaeology finds, awards and Port Tobacco projects
Summary
Historic Preservation Commission staff reported archaeological discoveries and community projects in 2025, including Swan Oyster House excavations, approximately 13 new sites at Maxwell Hall Park, and preservation awards for volunteers and community researchers.
Kyle Carpenter, the county’s historic preservation planner, briefed the Board of Commissioners on the Historic Preservation Commission’s 2025 work. Carpenter said the commission met nine times and reviewed applications and projects including subdivision reviews, a demolition for the Ellesmere listing, and interior renovations at Rich Hill.
Carpenter highlighted archaeological work at the Swan Oyster House in Port Tobacco and a three‑year survey at Maxwell Hall Park that located approximately 13 new sites and involved more than 650 volunteer hours. “The Swan Oyster House... was run by a Piscataway family, but it also tells the story of Port Tobacco from 1729 to the present,” Carpenter said, describing community‑partnered research funded in part by a Southern Maryland National Heritage Area grant.
The commission supported three letters of support for preservation work (Stagg Hall, Rich Hill and the Alexandria Chapel Cemetery grant), and awarded preservation service and project awards to community volunteers and research groups. Carpenter said the HPC is supporting a “Bridal Passages” port marker project to commemorate transatlantic enslavement and is working with county RPT staff on preservation work at Stack Hall in Port Tobacco.
A commissioner praised the HPC’s outreach and documentation, saying the commission was “helping our County better tell its story” and commended the recent public ceremonies. Staff said they will continue trainings and expect to submit grant applications for future projects.
