Beginning with the first European settlement at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607, until the 1775 battles at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, the Chesapeake region inspired interest among soldiers, merchants, and gentleman scholars in the Old World. Self-trained, amateur scientists like Thomas Jefferson fed that interest by committing their observations to paper. They sent letters and samples to correspondents in the Old World, most of whom held university degrees, at a time when education focused on classical literature and philosophy, theology, and the law.

These early Chesapeake scholars—whether roaming the countryside or making observations in their own gardens—are the intellectual ancestors of today’s citizen scientists, amateurs of all ages and backgrounds engaged in the advancement of knowledge through observation, measurement, analysis, and reporting of the world around them. This presentation explores that history from the vantage of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Citizen Science in Archaeology program, participation in which is open to you.

The Historic Annapolis Virtual Lecture Series is offered free of charge thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. If you enjoy this program, we hope you will consider becoming a member or making a donation today to support Historic Annapolis and our mission to connect all people with our shared history.

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Advance registration required; registration closes on half-hour prior to lecture.

Cost: FREE