Preservation News

Tracking Howard County’s Ten Most Endangered

As they had done each year for many years, under the direction of founder Fred Dorsey, Preservation Howard County named the County’s Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites.

In 2014 the list included: Troy Manor; Bernard Fort (Heine) House; Cloverhill and Pfeifer Corner Schoolhouse at Rockburn Heritage Park; Ellicott City Jail; Thomas Viaduct; Daisy General Store and Outpost; Highland Crossroads Community; Blandaire Farm and outbuildings; Simpsonville Mill; Commodore Joshua Barney House; Historic National Road Markers.

Now, ten years later, PHC has reached out to the History Department of UMBC to nominate a student for a grant to research one or more of these 2014 endangered sites to examine their history, current condition, and prospects for continuing preservation.

Graduate student, Annya St. Louis, a resident of Howard County, was recommended by UMBC history professor, Melissa Blair, to conduct this study, which will begin in June, 2024. Aanya’s resume is impressive. Throughout the summer, a member of the PHC Board will meet weekly with Ms. St. Louis to advise and guide her studies. At the conclusion of her research, Ms. St. Louis will present her findings in a written report and an in-person presentation, day and time to be announced.

At the monthly meeting of PHC, on April 8, 2024, PHC board members met with Annya who shared her particular interests in local history and archival research. The Board enthusiastically confirmed Annya as recipient of this grant to fund her research into historic sites of Howard County.

Best wishes, Aanya. We are excited to begin.

Left to right: Steve McKenna, grant recipient Aanya St Louis, Eileen Tennor, Allan Shad, Dale Schumacher, Rob Brennan

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