MARC Program

In partnership with the St. Johns County School System, LAMP, in 2000, initiated a unique high school underwater archaeology program called the Maritime Archaeology Research Class or MARC program. LAMP staff helps teach an elective class taught to date in two local schools. During this class, students will learn the basics of archaeology and marine science as well as have an opportunity to participate in a semester-long scuba certification class taught by LAMP diving instructors. Certified students get to dive on historic shipwrecks, work with professional archaeologists and continue their education through advanced diving and archaeology workshops. In 2009, for the first time, a foreign exchange student from Germany participated in the program and went on to volunteer for several weeks as an archaeological diver. A number of students have gone on to pursue careers in marine science after participating in the MARC program and all participants have enjoyed a unique educational adventure and gained an appreciation for marine science and the underwater environment.

High School Students and Maritime Archaeology

In the spring of 2000, Major Steve Muskett, a teacher at St. Johns County's Allen D. Nease High School, approached LAMP with an idea to introduce high school students to marine archaeology. Nineteen students participated in the pilot program, which was so successful that for the 2002-2003 academic year, Nease High School created the Marine Archaeology Research Center (MARC). Students enrolled in the MARC program were trained and certified as divers and learned the basic methods and research skills used by archaeologists to investigate historic shipwreck sites. Since that time, the program has moved to Menendez High School where a class in underwater archaeology was taught in 2005-2006 by Mr. Ken Jones. LAMP staff and other local archaeologists served as guest lecturers and oversaw practical training exercises in a regular series of pool sessions.

So far, at least one MARC student has gone on to college to pursue a degree in marine engineering. We continue to support this program in order to inspire other young people by introducing them to history and marine science.

At present, we are in discussion with St. Johns County officials to expand the program county-wide, allowing more local high school students to participate in this unique program.

All text and images, unless otherwise noted, are copyright Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, Inc. We extend permission to scholars, students, and other interested members of the public to use images and to quote from text for non-commercial educational or research purposes, provided LAMP is acknowledged and credited. If there are any questions regarding the use of LAMP’s work, please inquire at LAMP@staugustinelighthouse.org.