The City of Frederick’s Historic Preservation Commission, in partnership with Plamondon Hospitality Partners and the Maryland Room at the C. Burr Artz Library, is pleased to host the 7th annual Digging Local event, celebrating Maryland Archeology Month. This special program will take place on April 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the C. Burr Artz Library, Community Room, located at 110 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD.

Digging Local offers exclusive public access to local archeological investigations, with this year’s event highlighting research at the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center site, formerly home to the historic Birely Tannery, as well as the work of the Archaeological Conservancy.

The evening’s program features presentations by esteemed experts in the field:

  • Sean Coughlin, Archeological Project Manager with R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, will discuss the ongoing archeological work at the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center site. His presentation will provide an overview of past and recent excavations at the Birely Tannery, explore how the site has evolved over time, examine historical mapping, and share some of the most compelling discoveries from current research.

  • Kelley Berliner, Eastern Regional Director of the Archaeological Conservancy, will present on her organization’s 45-year mission to permanently preserve significant archeological sites nationwide. The Conservancy’s efforts include protecting sites through ownership or easements, maintaining open-space research preserves for professional archeologists and educational use, and safeguarding a wide range of sites from early Paleoindian settlements to modern industrial complexes.

Join us for this unique opportunity to learn about Frederick’s archeological heritage and the ongoing efforts to protect significant historical sites!

Light refreshments will be provided by Plamondon Hospitality Partners.

For more information or to request special accommodation, please contact Joshua Masser, Historic Preservation Planner at 301-600-6242 or visit the City of Frederick website.