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Loudoun archaeology group forms
Loudoun County has a rich history, so it's no surprise many people here want to be involved in exploring it.
A group of about 20 archaeologists, history buffs and others who want to learn more came together this month at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg to form a local chapter of the Archaeological Society of Virginia.
Loudoun County Archaeologist Michael Clem, president of the newly named Bansheee Reeks chapter (Bansheee with three e's refers to the traditional Gaelic spelling) said its members plan to meet monthly and will spend time on weekends working at historical sites in the county.
“There is no shortage of projects,” he said. “There is plenty to be done.”
Some locations the group hopes to explore include a historic site at Lovettsville Park, a prehistoric village more than 2,000 years old along the bank of the Potomac River outside Leesburg, and the site of the original county jail north of downtown Leesburg.
As Loudoun's archaeologist, Clem got the chance to excavate the jail site last year. It was difficult to locate, he said, but the old brick jail dating to 1757 finally was discovered in what is now a pond at that property.
“There is still plenty of lab work to do relating to artifacts from the jail site,” Clem said. “It is a fantastic site.”
Clem has been working for the county for about a year now, but he's been doing archeology in the region since the 1990s.
Since then, the number of historic sites identified in Loudoun has grown from about 500 to 1,500, he said.
“Ninety-nine percent of what's been discovered has been in the eastern part of the county at development sites,” he said.
Clem also works with developers doing what is called a Phase I survey to look for historic and prehistoric artifacts before construction begins. When items are found, he usually goes in to do a more in-depth Phase II excavation to try to learn as much as he can before the site is destroyed.
Sometimes the significance is so great that the area is spared by developers.
Clem said he is sure there is still much more history to uncover in the area.
The Bansheee Reeks chapter of the Archaeological Society of Virginia will submit a letter requesting it be officially chartered this month. The chapter should be approved sometime in April, Clem said.
The group is open to anyone from Loudoun and the surrounding area.
The chapter will host a kickoff April 19 with a barbecue and historical tour at the 695-acre Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, home to more than 50 historic and prehistoric sites.
Banshee Reeks (originally spelled Bansheee) was named by the owner of the property in the early 19th century who was of Irish/Scottish descent.
In the Gaelic language, a banshee is a female spirit and reeks refers to hills and dales.
Mackenzie Rohm, an archaeologist who lives in Leesburg, said she is looking forward to being part of the Bansheee Reeks group.
“This sounds like a great way to get local people involved and a nice opportunity to work on interesting projects,” she said.
For more information, contact Clem at 703-737-8862 or e-mailmichael.clem@loudoun.gov.
Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com
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