Archaeological society president to discuss Civil War battlefields May 16

The Archaeological Society of Delaware Speaker Series continues from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at the Lewes Historical Society School House.

Gary Schmidt will present Continuing to Remember Events of 150 Years Ago: The Summer of 1863 - Turning the Tide.  With relentless campaigns continuing in central Virginia, Ulysses S. Grant was in Mississippi and Robert E. Lee in Pennsylvania.  Both were engaged in decisive battles on the same day. An analysis of the objectives and consequences of both campaigns will be the focus of the presentation, with a review of recent archaeological and restoration work in Civil War National Battlefield Parks.

Since he abandoned a career in corporate software development, the opportunity to grow in Mid-Atlantic archaeology has been a gift for Schmidt. He first volunteered with the National Park Service at the Monocacy National Battlefield. After moving to Delmarva, he became active in ASD projects and leadership. He currently serves as president of the Sussex County Chapter ASD and is a veteran archaeological field and lab technician on the Avery's Rest Project.

An update on the 2013 field season at Avery’s Rest will be reported, and currently, the project calls for new volunteers and training opportunities.

The public is welcome. The ASD is an open group and the society invites new membership.