A Tale of Three Privies
& Annual Meeting

Lee Cranmer: Historic Archaeologist (MHPC, Ret.)

Wednesday, January 10, 2017 6:00pm
Cram Alumni Building, 83 Federal St., Brunswick, ME

Lee Cranmer at Thwings Pt., Woolwich. Photo: Ed Friedman Shake the winter chill with Friends of Merrymeeting Bay (FOMB) on Wednesday, January 10 at their annual potluck supper, membership meeting and fourth presentation of the 21st annual winter speaker series. Lee Cranmer, retired Maine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC) historic archaeologist will be the featured speaker. The event takes place in Bowdoin’s Cram Alumni Building, 83 Federal St., Brunswick. All are welcome at the 6 pm potluck and 7 pm program.  Lee’s presentation, A Tale of Three Privies, looks at the archaeological excavation of privies on three diverse sites, an 18th-century fort, a 19th-century farmstead, and a 19th-century urban house. From the large quantity of nearly complete artifacts recovered, a picture of varying lifestyles emerges, along with an understanding of the different material cultures from each habitation site. When these privies were filled in can be determined, and even why, can be speculated.  Cranmer retired in August 2010 from the MHPC and continues to conduct archaeology on a freelance basis including a number important digs for FOMB. He has a BS from Stockton University, and both a BA in anthropology and MA in history/historical archaeology from the University of Maine. Lee has worked in Maine archaeology for almost 30 years and conducted well over 20 years of archaeology for the State. Prior to this, he spent two seasons in England doing archaeology.  All are welcome for the 6 pm potluck supper and brief membership meeting. Bring a dish to share and your own place setting if possible. Enjoy good company while learning about FOMB’s advocacy, research, education and land conservation programs.  All FOMB Speaker Series events (2nd Wednesdays of each month from October-May) are free, open to the public and supported by Patagonia, Inc. in Freeport. The February 14 presentation features wildlife biologist and forester Steve Pelletier, speaking about Maine bats. This event takes place in the Morrell Meeting Room of Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. Visit www.fomb.org to see speaker biographies, full event schedules, become a member, and learn more about how you can help protect beautiful Merrymeeting Bay. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Jennifer Brockway, 666-1118 fomb@comcast.net