Month: February 2024

New Study Opens Window to Cultural Past in Great Lakes Sanctuary

https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/feb24/maritime-cultural-landscape-study.html

February 2024

While shipwrecks are often the primary focus of maritime heritage preservation in America’s Great Lakes national marine sanctuaries, a recent two-part maritime cultural landscape study of the 962-square-mile Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary reveals that shipwrecks only tell part of the story of human connections to the natural environment in this region. There were many harbors, shipyards, and lumber mills associated with Euro-American fisheries tied to sanctuary waters, and these inland seas were essential for Indigenous peoples for millennia before European contact. The report highlights the need for future Tribal cultural landscape studies by Indigenous peoples in their own voices.

“People have used these waters for over 10,000 years,” said Russ Green, superintendent of Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary. “Historic shipwrecks happen to be the most visible of the sanctuary’s archaeological features, but they represent just a fraction of its history and cultural significance. We hope this report can be a starting point to working in partnership with local Indigenous peoples in future cultural studies.”

What is a Maritime Cultural Landscape?

A maritime cultural landscape study is like a special investigation that looks at the connection between people and the marine environment over time. It explores how humans have interacted with the ocean, rivers, and other waterways, and how these interactions have shaped cultures and communities. This study goes beyond just the physical structures like boats or ports; it also considers stories, traditions, and communities related to waterways.

RFP: VDHR Marine Remote Sensing Survey, Siege of Yorktown Battlefield

https://mvendor.cgieva.com/Vendor/public/IVDetails.jsp?PageTitle=SO%20Details&rfp_id_round=0&rfp_id_lot=58327

Subsequent to an award from the National Park Service from the Semiquincentennial Grant program, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) is soliciting proposals for a marine remote sensing survey of state-owned subaqueous bottomlands contained within the Siege of Yorktown battlefield. This survey is designed as part of a phased comprehensive survey for this nationally significant landscape. While survey in the area has been previously undertaken and resources have been documented, no comprehensive survey has been completed for this resource. Sunken vessels associated with the 1781 Siege of Yorktown are known to exist within the boundary but have not been located. Additionally, submerged cultural materials from other periods are likely to exist given area’s intensive occupation and maritime landscape. Results from this survey will assist with the management of cultural materials contained within the submerged bottomlands of the Commonwealth.

Contractor shall provide archaeological remote sensing within the provided survey boundaries to meet or exceed remote sensing guidelines outlined in the

No bottom disturbance is anticipated during the execution of the survey. Additionally, no artifact collection is anticipated.

Survey parameters listed in the Instrumentation and Procedures section are minimum standards required to complete this survey, additional instruments or procedures may be included by the Contractor.

Contractor shall not sub-award any significant portion of this survey work, such as the collection of marine remote sensing data. Sub-awarding for support equipment and services such as a survey vessel or housing is permitted.

DSAC BURSARIES FOR HERITAGE RELATED STUDIES: 2024

https://www.uwc.ac.za/news-and-announcements/announcements/dsac-bursaries-for-heritage-related-studies-2024

Archaeology (exclusively with a focus on marine and underwater cultural heritage, and forensic)

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture invites applications for bursaries from institutions accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training for students who wish to pursue studies in heritage related programmes.

Eligibility

  • South African citizenship;
  • Letter of provisional acceptance / letter of admission from the institution;
  • Not older than forty (40) years;
  • Outstanding / satisfactory academic performance (academic progress report if already at an institution) or (Grade 12 if you are a 1st year student);
  • Field of study (heritage related)
  • Not employed full time by government, state agencies or private sector with a salary of more than R350 000.
  • Students who are beneficiaries of other bursaries or donors for the 2024 academic year will only be considered if tuition fee at the said university or institution exceeds the DSAC’s threshold by at least 10% upwards.  

Lecture: Submerged NC: All Along the Waterfront – Archaeological Investigations of Chesapeake Bay Oyster Boats, February 20th, 2024

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4539089001211081820

Discover how maritime archaeology reveals a new understanding of North Carolina’s historic oyster industry, which remains a significant part of the state’s cultural, environmental, and maritime history. In this webinar, look back at the industry during the 19th and 20th centuries and learn how fishers from northern states changed the industry when they entered North Carolina sounds.

Join Patrick Boyle, a doctoral student in the Texas A&M University Nautical Archaeology Program, to gain insight into North Carolina’s historic oyster industry. Learn about the bugeye, a regional type of boat built in Maryland shipyards, and why its construction was perfect for North Carolina waters. Discover the influence of Chesapeake Bay oysterers on the industry, and explore several oyster boat shipwrecks in the region as he talks about his archaeological research. 

Patrick Boyle – Biography Patrick Boyle is a doctoral student in the Texas A&M University Nautical Archaeology Program researching the differing construction methods of the vernacular oyster boats of Chesapeake Bay. Having obtained an MPhil in Historical and Maritime Archaeology from the University of Bristol, UK, and an MA from the Program in Maritime Studies at East Carolina University, Patrick previously worked as the Assistant State Underwater Archaeologist for Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources. Patrick spends his free time hiking, reading, and is pursuing his divemaster certification.

Museum Specialist: US Coast Guard Museum

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/772054000

The position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Coast Guard (USCG), Director of Governmental and Public Affairs in Washington, DC.

This role serves as a Museum Specialist. This position is to perform a full range of complex curatorial and collections work in a museum.

Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team.

Typical work assignments include: 

  • Managing curatorial data and museum collection.
  • Monitoring and maintaining environmental and housekeeping conditions of artifacts and exhibits on-display and in collections
    storage areas.
  • Preparing artifacts and exhibit space for installation or removal of exhibits.
  • Assisting public with scholarly and subject specific inquiries.
  • Providing recommendations and technical expertise for exhibit design.

2024 National Maritime Award

https://floridahistoryday.com/awards-and-prizes/2024-national-maritime-award

As part of the 2023−24 Florida History Day program, the National Maritime Historical Society (NMHS) is sponsoring a scholarship for a junior-division and a senior-division entry that explores a maritime history topic. Criteria for these prizes are presented below. Recipients will be announced during the Florida History Day Awards Ceremony. For additional information about the Society, go to www.seahistory.org.

Prizes for 1st Place (ONE each for junior and senior divisions) include a $100 cash prize (divided equally for group projects), a one-year membership in NMHS which includes Sea History magazine, recognition on the NMHS website,  and a certificate of achievement.  The mentoring teacher will receive a one-year membership in NMHS and recognition on the NMHS website. 

Prizes for 2nd Place (ONE each for junior and senior divisions) include a $50 cash prize (divided equally for group projects), one-year membership in NMHS which includes Sea History magazine, recognition on the NMHS website, and a certificate of achievement.  The mentoring teacher will receive a one-year membership in NMHS and recognition on the NMHS website. 

Individual or group entries in any NHD category may apply for the NMHS scholarships if they meet the following criteria.

  • The entry is advancing to the Florida History Day state contest.
  • The entry meets National History Day Contest Rule Book guidelines for all categories.
  • The project represents scholarly and historically accurate research.
  • The project topic relates to maritime history and to the NHD annual theme. The topic can relate to a person, event, or idea associated with maritime history such as underwater archaeology, ships, ship construction, artifacts, navigation, seafaring, naval operations, or maritime customs.

The deadline for applications is March 27, 2024. Entries will be evaluated by a three-person judging team. A scholarship awarded to a group entry will be divided equally among the participating students. Applying for a National Maritime Historical Society scholarship does not prohibit a student(s) from nominating an entry for other Florida History Day special prizes.

To apply for the National Maritime Historical Society Scholarship, send four copies of the NMHS application form (PDF File PDF, 136 KB), entry process paper, and annotated bibliography to FHD Coordinator. 

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Mail applications to:
Florida History Day Coordinator
Museum of Florida History
500 S. Bronough St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250

Deadline: March 27, 2024

Research Archaeologist: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Office of Exploration and Research (OER), with one vacancy in Silver Spring, MD; Alpena, MI; Durham, NH; Seattle, WA; or Gulfport, MS

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/774257500

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/774257100

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Office of Exploration and Research (OER), with one vacancy in Silver Spring, MD; Alpena, MI; Durham, NH; Seattle, WA; or Gulfport, MS

This position is also announced under vacancy number OAR OER-24-12292498-ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

As a Research Archeologist, you will perform the following duties:

  • Manage, coordinate, and implement research programs within Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), including providing strategic direction and advice regarding techniques that use submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROV). Provide expert guidance and conduct applied research and analysis of maritime archaeological resources. Execute field research on maritime and cultural heritage-based research projects in ocean and great lakes environments. Serve as a principal investigator for archeological field studies, conduct significant assessments to determine if sites are eligible for National Register of Historic Places.
  • Serve as the Senior Archeologist and is the expert advisor, primary reviewer and compliance officer for all matters related to the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Recommend, design, coordinate, and maintain systems for monitoring and tracking maritime and cultural resources for their preservation status and compliance with NHPA. Serve as a point of contact for review and compliance with NHPA mandates.
  • Manage, oversee, and implement technical programs in marine archaeology and maritime history to foster public understanding, support, and participation. Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships within the program and agency and between academia, other government agencies, industry and the general public regarding research, conservation, discovery, and protection of maritime heritage resources.

These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZP-4; the ZP-3 is developmental leading to such performance.

Underwater Archaeologist

Job Announcement: 

The Maritime Research Division of the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia is seeking an Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-I).  The position is full-time with benefits and will work on the main campus in Columbia.  Applications will be received until midnight Friday, 1 April 2024 or until the position is filled.  We hope to offer the position by the end of February with a start date at an agreed upon time shortly thereafter.  The successful candidate will work alongside two other Division staff members and complement efforts to preserve the maritime archaeological legacy in the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters of South Carolina. 

Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-I): 

The incumbent reports directly to the State Underwater Archaeologist. The employee will work with the supervising archaeologist to meet the program’s goals, specifically relating to education and outreach. The employee will act as the administrator for the Hobby Licensing process and manage all databases relating to the program. The employee will support archaeological research and act as principal/co-principal investigator on Maritime Research Division (MRD) projects designated by the supervisor. The employee will also manage equipment and act as a dive safety officer for the MRD. This position requires periodic travel for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. 

Link for additional information and to apply for the job:   

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/163518

For information about the MRD please visit:   

Maritime Research – SC Institute for Archeology and Anthropology | University of South Carolina 

For more information about the Hobby Licenses please visit: 

Hobby Licenses – SC Institute for Archeology and Anthropology | University of South Carolina 

For more information about employment at USC please visit: 

Division of Human Resources – Human Resources | University of South Carolina (sc.edu) 

For more information about this position and duties please contact: 

James D. Spirek 

State Underwater Archaeologist 

Maritime Research Division 

South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology 

University of South Carolina 

1321 Pendleton Street 

Columbia SC  29208 USA 

Office phone: (803) 576-6566 

Fax: (803) 254-1338 

E-mail: spirek@sc.edu 

SCIAA Web Site: http://www.cas.sc.edu/sciaa/ 

Maritime Research Division Website:  http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/sciaa/mrd/ 

Follow MRD on Facebook: @MaritimeResearchDivision 

Lesson plan: Exploring the wreckage of slave ships and the ‘untold American story’

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/lesson-plans/2024/01/lesson-plan-exploring-the-wreckage-of-slave-ships-and-the-untold-american-story

The goal of this lesson is to motivate students to learn both more about the slave trade and to think about other under-explored aspects of history through a video about Black scuba divers exploring wreckage of slave ships.

While many students and teachers are aware of the slave trade broadly, most do not know the details about who were involved and what took place. This lesson is designed to give students new perspectives on history, how history is told and who tells it and the lasting impact history has on our lives today.

Free Lecture:

Diving With a Purpose: Exploring Submerged Heritage Preservation and Conservation of the African Diaspora

New England Aquarium Lecture Series with Jay V. Haigler: Thursday, February 15

Diving With a Purpose: Exploring Submerged Heritage Preservation and Conservation of the African Diaspora

WHAT: In celebration of Black History Month, the New England Aquarium Lecture Series presents Jay Haigler, archaeologist and founding member of Diving With a Purpose (DWP), an international non-profit organization that documents and protects African slave-trade shipwrecks. DWP promotes maritime archaeology and ocean conservation through educational and training programs, mission leadership, and project support services for submerged heritage preservation and conservation projects worldwide, with a focus on the African Diaspora. In his talk, Haigler will share the powerful story of Clotilda—the last known slave ship to enter America.

The New England Aquarium Lecture Series is presented free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute.

WHEN: Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: In person at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf, Boston. The lecture will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

HOW: The public can register for the free event here.

WHO: Jay V. Haigler is a registered archaeologist, founding board member, and lead instructor of Diving With a Purpose. He is the principal investigator for a U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency mission to search, identify, and recover World War II soldiers and aircraft missing in action in the coastal waters of France. He engages his passion for science communication through authoring and co-authoring academic journals, mass media, and digital publications. Haigler has worked with National Geographic magazine, the Public Broadcast System, and CBS News and 60 Minutes. He is a guest lecturer at the University of California Los Angeles, Stanford University, and the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Center for Marine Archaeology. Haigler serves as a board member of several organizations including the American Anthropological Association, Archaeology Division, American Council on Underwater Archaeology, American Academy of Underwater Sciences, Society of Black Archaeologists, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary’s Advisory Council.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pam Bechtold Snyder, psnyder@neaq.org; 617-686-5068