Archaeology in Howard County and Beyond: What I’ve Learned in 40 Years About Its People and Sites, by M. Lee Preston, Jr. (The James and Anne Robinson Foundation, 2011) is available for $30.00 (plus shipping) from the James and Anne Robinson Foundation.  A book order form is available here .

For over four decades, M. Lee Preston, Jr. has been Howard County’s pied piper of archaeology.  Public school students, scout troops, college kids, and retirees  have been captivated in classrooms, summer camps, and volunteer outings by Lee’s passion for digging up the past.  Now thanks to his new book, Archaeology in Howard County and Beyond: What I’ve Learned in 40 Years About Its People and Sites, more people will succumb to the irresistible urge to grab a trowel and join his quest to unearth our past.

Some of Lee's most extensive research has focused on the milling industry around the historic village of Simpsonville. The mill ruins are now on the grounds of the Robinson Nature Center.  Plans to expand Route 32 in 1980 threatened the remains of the stone mill beside the Middle Patuxent River. Lee was asked to document the archaeological significance of the site.  Just next door lived Anne Robinson, who welcomed Lee with a tour of her land including the start of the millrace.  “An hour and a half and two iced teas later,” writes Lee, “I had learned much about the area and was

impressed with Anne’s interest in my work and her love of nature.”

An engaging storyteller, Lee shares in delightful detail how Informant interviews, land record searches, and site analysis—with the help of the Upper Patuxent Archaeology Group and uncounted high school students--have revealed Simpsonville’s centuries-long  history. His findings and expertise led the Robinson Foundation to partner with him as publisher of his fascinating book and to commission him to create a docent-led tour along the Simpsonville millrace for the Robinson Nature Center.

Lee is also a consultant for “Changing Lives, Changing Landscapes,” the Nature Center’s exhibit exploring 10,000 years of local history.  Readers of Archaeology in Howard County and Beyond can vicariously join digs where Lee unearthed some of the artifacts on display including: projectile points, Indian ceramics,  pipe bowls,  gun flints, and mill-related artifacts.  The book includes chapters on Longwood, Mt. Pleasant, the scientific detective work required to identify 19^th century African American remains at a local church, the complex process of stabilizing the ruins and preserving the history of the Patapsco Female Institute, and the community activism required to restore and protect historic cemeteries .  The range of subjects as well as the depth of Lee’s knowledge contribute greatly to the lasting value of the book.

Throughout the work, Lee addresses serious themes such as the chronic insufficiency of funds for archaeology and historic preservation and the importance of educating and involving  the public in the preservation of our antiquities. Yet the focus stays on the joy of discovery.  Getting others excited about archaeology is perhaps Lee Preston’s most intense passion.  Says Lee, “The more the public becomes involved in this process the better the chances of preserving our rich cultural heritage.”

Praise for Archaeology in Howard County and Beyond . . . .

“From pot shards, projectile points, land records and threads of history gleaned from courthouse records, Lee Preston has woven a fascinating account of Howard County.  His stories transport you back in time from aboriginal to twentieth century times and give you a real sense of our rich and varied history.”  ~ Mary Catherine Cochran, President of Preservation Howard County

“Archaeology in Howard County and Beyond is a fascinating and detailed book that unlocks a door to the rich history of Howard County and brings to life the stories of those who lived here long before us.  It is a must-read for anyone interested in Howard County and its past.” ~ Ken Ulman, Howard County Executive

A cross between Indiana Jones and your favorite teacher, Lee is president of the Upper Patuxent Archaeology Group and Director of Excavations at the Patapsco Female Institute. For over 30 years, he has taught anthropology and archaeology for Howard County Public Schools and Howard Community College.  In 2008, Lee was honored with the Senator James Clark Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award from the Preservation Howard County.

To order Lee's book, use the form available here .