WOW!

We were so humbled by the turnout at last night’s Wrecked! Exhibition Grand Opening! Thank you to everyone who joined us, and especially Ancient City Brewing, musician Justin Gurnsey, and Jackie Hird Photography who helped us provide a great night for our guests.

We also christened and launched our 1760s British Yawl boat, built by our incredible volunteers at the Lighthouse Heritage Boatworks.

If you didn’t get a chance to come by, you have plenty of time to visit and see this interactive exhibition for yourself! Bring the whole family, you’re sure to have a blast.

Below are just a few photos from this great night — enjoy!

BoatChristening

More than a hundred guests looked on as Associate Pastor Hunter Camp from Memorial Presbyterian Church christened the “Heart of Oak” yawl boat built by volunteers in our Heritage Boatworks.

BoatLaunch

After the christening, “Heart of Oak” took her inaugural voyage with our Lighthouse staff rowing crew including Dr. Sam Turner, Olivia McDaniel, Scott Smith, Paul Zielinski, and Mason Rogers.

BellasariusCrew

Brian McNamara and the Bellasarius Crew provided our guests with a living history demonstration (complete with a well-timed musket firing!) of Revolutionary War-era life.

Kathy

Executive Director Kathy A. Fleming welcomes our guests to the exhibit opening.

FieldSchoolStudents

We were honored to have many of our underwater archaeology field school students who worked on the shipwreck over the last six years present for the exhibition opening. All of the students who attended are now employed in the archaeology field.

RibbonCutting

Theresa Floyd, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Brenda Swann, Director of Collections and Interpretation, cut the ribbon to officially open Wrecked!

StarWaterses

We were fortunate to have not one, but TWO lovely ladies portray our new exhibit character, Star Waters! Guests enjoyed stepping into the photo booth with both Stars throughout the night.

Justin

Live music for the evening was provided by local musician Justin Gurnsey.