If appropriate, have students work in small groups to view the images of artifacts. After the discussion about artifacts has progressed, ask students again what they think life was like at the Reed Farmstead. Finally, ask students how they know what life was like at the Reed Farmstead. What They Preserved Archaeologists also learn from objects which have been preserved. Governmental or commercial entities preserve official records.
Family members pass objects they value from one generation to the next.
Introduce the town of London, Maryland to the students. Founded in 1684 on the shores of the South River, London became a thriving port. From 1710 through 1750, London Town grew significantly and rivaled Annapolis and Williamsburg, Virginia, in economic vitality. Though it was the county seat from 1684 to 1695, London Town's importance centered on the trade that flourished there. Ships would arrive with merchandise from Europe and the Caribbean and then carry the year's tobacco crop home.