My dear friends and colleagues,

I have just learned of the passing, on Friday, January 12, 2001, of
Malcolm Watkins, former curator of American Culture at Museum of
American History at the Smithsonian Museum and recipient of the
Society for Historical Archaeology Award of Merit.

  Malcolm will long be remembered for his expertise in ceramics and
for his gentle yet persuasive personality that encouraged so many to
pursue the study of historical archaeology and ceramic history.
Malcolm organized the first meeting of individuals interested in the
study of historical archaeology, a field that has since burgeoned far
beyond what he could have ever envisioned.  He was a man who inspired
love and devotion from those he met and worked with and who fired
many with the love of American history and historic preservation.

While Malcolm's memory will exist in perpetuity in the form of a
curatorship at the Smithsonian endowed by the late Rodris Roth, a
memorial service is being planned at the Smithsonian some time in
February.  I am sure many will want to honor his memory by attending
or by communicating with his widow, Joan Pearson Watkins.   You can
write to her at P. O. Box 979, 47 King Street, Middleton, MA 01949.

With deepest regret at having to pass on such sad news,

Mary Beaudry