Westwood Manor - Being Fashionable in the 17th Century

Patricia Samford

At the February 9 meeting Patricia Samford talked about the reanalysis of artifacts excavated in 1996 at Westwood Manor in Charles County.  Of all the interesting artifacts found, Patricia's interest in one artifact, a decorated ivory handle of a walking stick, led her to learn more about fashion in Maryland in the 17th Century.  So the title "Walking Softly and Carrying a Big Stick: Being Fashionable on Maryland’s Western Shore in the Late 17th-Century.  Patricia is the Director of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.

The reanalysis was done by Julia King's students at St Mary's College. Patricia also brought a copy of the report.

The Artifact

The Report

A few of the People

Attendance: 24 including 2 young boys