Joetta Cramm's interest in Howard County history began in 1972, when she was president of the Howard branch of the American Association of University Women.
To raise money for Ellicott City's bicentennial celebration, she helped the AAUW organize walking tours that would explore the town's past.
"To do that, we had to do some studying," she recalled.
Today, Cramm, who lives in Ellicott City and gives her age as "past 65," is considered an expert on Howard County's past.
She teaches local history at Howard Community College and speaks frequently on the topic.
She is in the midst of a three-part talk and slide lecture called "Ellicott Mills and How It Grew," sponsored by Mount Hebron Presbyterian Church on Mount Hebron Drive. The final installment will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and is open to the public. Information: 410-465-3993.
The noncredit classes she teaches at HCC are in the evenings and attract 10 to 15 students each, she said.
Cramm holds two courses, one on the early years of Howard County and the other on the past 150 years.
Both meet once a week for four weeks.
Cramm has also written two books, "Howard County, a Pictorial History," published in 1986, and "Historic Ellicott City, a Walking Tour," a paperback published in 1990.
The pictorial history book has sold out, but the paperback is available at stores in the historic part of Ellicott City, she said.
Because of Howard County's sesquicentennial, she has been speaking more than usual lately, she said.
Cramm has seen many changes in the 40 years she has lived in Howard County. She said the county has grown so quickly because it provides excellent schools and services.
"People expect the best, and the county's been able to keep up with that, fortunately," she said.
Native American Day
Kindergartners at Trinity School in Ellicott City celebrated Native American Culture Day on Nov. 20 by acting out various aspects of Native American life.
The children wore homemade costumes and participated in activities such as catching paper fish, singing Native American songs and planting corn.
Winter concert
Centennial Lane Elementary School will present its winter band concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Centennial High School.
Information: 410-313-2800.
Elkridge library events
The Elkridge branch library is host of Go Girl! mother-daughter book clubs for 11- to 13-year-old girls and their mothers. The next meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7. "The Moorchild," by Eloise McGraw, will be discussed.
Stories, activities and crafts for children ages 2 to 5 will be offered at the Elkridge branch library from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 9 and Dec. 11. Two-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: 410-313-5085.
