What do an iconic fashion doll, the King of Rock and Roll, and a tiny shack on the eastern shore of Maryland have in common?  What industry in the early 20^th century gave rise to a dozen factories and shops in Delaware and Maryland, welcoming able hands with steady incomes for nearly 40 years, but then all but disappeared?  On Tuesday, Oct. 9, SERC citizen scientist Jim Breedlove will share the findings of SERC’s Environmental Archaeology Lab to tell the story of Maryland and Delaware’s shell button industry—a boom-and-bust tale of symbiotic relationships, changing times, and the risks of staking your livelihood on the fashion industry. Free and open to all!

"Archaeological Secrets of Maryland" lectures will take place every second Tuesday of the month at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, now through December. Thanks to the Anne Arundel Chapter of the Archeological Society of Maryland for cosponsoring the series!

Photos: SERC Environmental Archaeology Lab