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"Marine Archaeology is Truly Alive and Well in the State of Florida"

"Marine Archaeology is Truly Alive and Well in the State of Florida"

Mon, Jul 05 2010

They spent nearly 700 hours beneath the ocean’s surface doing archaeology. Time was spent measuring, excavating and mapping shipwrecks on the sea floor. These men and women, students and instructors were in search of a valuable treasure—information, clues, a window into the lives of those who pioneered what would become an American society, who first adventured to the new world in search of a better life. When they were finished and the First Coast Maritime Archaeology Project report was reviewed, Florida State Archaeologist Dr. Roger Smith reported that, “marine archaeology is truly alive and well in the state of Florida.”

They are the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, the active research arm of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum. These two partners are founding members of the First Light Maritime Society. Together the three organizations work seamlessly to preserve history along Florida’s historic coast: the Archaeological Maritime Program conducts the research and teaches the job of archaeology to future generations; the Lighthouse & Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, creates appropriate programming and presents it to the community; and the Maritime Society provides the platform to offer that programming regionally.

Lighthouse Archeologists recently completed the First Coast Maritime Archaeological Project after 30 months of field work, research, conservation, and much—much more. “This project adopted a regional approach…” Dr. Smith stated in an email, after reviewing the project report, “its results (as demonstrated in the report) have set a new standard for what can be accomplished by archaeologists working along Florida’s waterfronts.”

THE SEARCH FOR A CONFEDERATE WRECK AND A NEW SHIP WRECK DISCOVERY AMONG RESULTS
A sizeable portion of the Lighthouse Maritime Program’s time was spent investigating an unidentified ballast pile at the site of a double shipwreck. Discovered during a 1995 survey, the investigations immediately following the double site’s discovery focused on the exposed machinery of a steamship wreck, which was immediately next to a ballast pile from a lost sailing ship. Hundreds of hours of dive time were spent recording the steamer's boiler, engine, and propeller; however, little time was spent investigating the neighboring ballast pile. Lighthouse archaeologists returned to investigate the unknown ballast pile after special category grant funding was secured through the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs.
Once back at the site, the maritime archaeologists and their field school students temporarily removed 6,800 pounds of ballast stone from the wreck, discerning portions of frames, ceiling planks, stringers, and other recognizable ship timbers. It is clearly the remnants of a historic wooden ship, and its location immediately brought to mind a Civil War privateer that famously sank near the St. Augustine Inlet. The Jefferson Davis performed many duties in its life at sea; however, it is most celebrated for its short stint as a privateer. Before running aground on the North Breakers, where many ships met their demise, the Jeff Davis claimed nine merchant ships as its prizes and instant fame as the most successful privateer of the entire Civil War.

Unfortunately, the privateer's pivot gun, or any other pieces of its artillery, was not found during the excavation. Therefore, the probability is low that the remains found near the steamship are of the Jefferson Davis, but the possibility still exists.

The First Coast Maritime Archaeological Project also helped fund many other projects. Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program Director Chuck Meide and his team collected data at the possible site of a riverboat steamer, the Alligator, in Crescent Lake; investigated the wharf at Grant’s Villa, a well-known British plantation on the intracoastal waterway; at a shipwreck site near the Castillo de San Marcos; partnered with the Alligator Farm and St. Johns County to recover a dugout canoe located on Alligator Farm property; and discovered a new shipwreck near St. Augustine’s Coast.

During the 2010 field season, investigation of the newly discovered shipwreck is underway. Discovered during the very last days of the First Coast Project's 2009 field research season, Lighthouse archaeologists confirmed the site as a shipwreck after briefly exposing an iron cauldron, wooden planking, and ballast stones. Currently, students and archaeologists are excavating the site, which has recently produced hundreds of lead shot, and have plans to recover the cauldron later this season.

THE METHOD THAT TEACHES
“Equally important as the work is how we are involving students in that work. This is the nation’s oldest port; there are centuries of stories waiting to be discovered. We’ll find them and protect them, but it’s imperative that we educate and inspire future maritime archaeologists, scientists, and historians while we do,” Kathy Fleming, Executive Director of the Maritime Society said.

A considerable effort was also put into presenting and teaching. In the two-and-a-half-years the First Coast Maritime Archaeology Project was grant funded; archaeologists and experts offered more than 260 presentations and public events reaching nearly 10,000 people. Three underwater field schools were attended by more than 25 students from across the U.S. and abroad. Four semesters of an underwater archaeology class were taught at Pedro Menedez High School, and a heritage boatbuilding program was created for all visitors to see on-site at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum.

“Dedication to public archaeology is documented with impressive lists of presentations, field schools, electronic products, internships, exhibits, and learning tools that clearly demonstrate the value of how public funding can be used by archaeologists to serve the public good,” Dr. Smith wrote.

The First Light Maritime Society not only views its research as an important tool for better understanding history, but as a unique hands-on opportunity to engage and excite minds both young and old. This two-fold philosophy benefits both the student and the teacher. Much of the work of archaeologists—survey, sifting through dredge product for artifacts, and mapping of sites—is tedious and time consuming. Having extra hands with the ability and eagerness to do the work allows much more to be done.

The First Coast Maritime Archaeology Project is funded by a grant from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, assisted by the Florida Historical Commission. To find out more about the work being done by the First Light Maritime Society at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum and Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org or call the First Coast’s premier maritime museum at (904) 829-0745.

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