North Carolina Maritime History Council: Call for Papers

Our 35th Annual NC Maritime History Council Conference will be held at Fort Fisher State Historic Site on December 4-6, 2025! Information on how to submit a paper to the conference and the conference theme can be found below. The deadline to submit a paper abstract is October 17, 2025!

Commerce, Labor, and War in the Carolinas

The Cape Fear River is the only waterway in North Carolina that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Port records indicate that it was a significant entrepôt and shipping gateway for trade in the Caribbean and the Atlantic World. The landscape features archaeological evidence of the Cape Fear Indians and legends of the Yamasee War. Brunswick was an important colonial port before being superseded by Wilmington. Fort Anderson was constructed atop the remains of Brunswick during the Civil War and served as an integral part of the riverine defense system before the demise of the Confederacy. The Cape Fear region also represents the legacy of a significant rice culture during the 18th and 19th centuries. Rice cultivation relied heavily on enslaved labor, with plantations utilizing extensive systems of levees, ditches, and trunk gates to control the river’s tidal flow. The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, a designated National Heritage Area, extends from Wilmington southwards. During World War II, Wilmington was home to several key shipyards that played a vital role in the war effort and is now home to the battleship USS North Carolina.

The theme of the 35th Annual NC Maritime History Council Conference is, “Commerce, Labor, and War in the Carolinas.”  Fort Fisher was a crucial part of the Civil War defense network. Soldiers, enslaved laborers, and conscripted Lumbee Indians built the fortification to guard New Inlet and protect blockade runners bringing supplies to the Confederacy. In proximity, the Cape Fear Civil War Shipwreck Discontiguous District, nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, encompasses one of the largest collections of shipwrecks in the USA. The conference venue also serves as the home of the NC Underwater Archaeology Branch, with a state mandate to manage North Carolina’s submerged heritage and historic connections to university maritime training centers such as the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the Program in Maritime Studies at East Carolina University.

 

Papers should include some form of connection to the Carolinas or Mid-Atlantic region. While the conference committee accepts papers on all aspects of maritime history and archaeology related to the Carolinas, we especially encourage papers that speak to the conference theme as outlined above. Presentations (formal and informal) by students, both undergraduate and graduate, and independent researchers or members of the community are all welcome and encouraged.

 

To submit a paper, each individual or group should send an email with the paper/presentation title, authors/presenters, institutional affiliation(s), and a 150-word abstract to the Conference Committee of the NC Maritime History Council, ncmhcboard@gmail.com. The deadline to submit an abstract for consideration is Friday, October 17, 2025.

Historical Interpreter III – Maritime

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina/jobs/4883627/historical-interpreter-iii-maritime

Primary Purpose of Position:

The NC HISTORIC SITES is seeking an Historic Interpreter III to research and create new fee-based Maritime History and modern-day educational programs for Roanoke Island Festival Park. The position should have considerable knowledge of how to develop, coordinate and implement programs that appeal to visitors of all ages. The position will also provide collaborative leadership in historic research and the dissemination of acquired knowledge and skills, the presentation of public maritime/educational programs throughout the facility, the innovative development and implementation of new Maritime public programs and events. A proven record of developing and implementing maritime educational, hands-on, fun programs for large and small groups of all ages. Employee may be required to work in costume periodically. This is a public facing position that will work with the visiting public. The position reports to the Manager of Education and Interpretation.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Duties involve the development and implementation of new fee-based programs around Roanoke Island Festival Park Maritime History to create additional revenue, create a diverse experience and to enhance the visitors experience on site. The programs should include family friendly activities that could be conducted throughout the park site.
  • Position works to grow and support tour groups to include school tours, scouting programs, and the daily visitor. 
  • Duties involve learning and explaining the history of the site, its historical period, maritime programs and demonstrating of maritime skills.
  • Position supports other duties as assigned.

Position/Physical Requirements:

  • The ability to work Tuesday – Saturday 8:30am – 5:00pm and some holidays and/or weekends. 
  • The ability to be exposed to inclement weather throughout the course of the year as well as working in climate-controlled areas with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • The ability to stand for a long period of time with or without reasonable accommodation.

https://www.roanokeisland.com/

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Qualified candidates must have or be able to:

  • Knowledge of North Carolina state and national history.
  • Experience in creating, coordinating, and implementing educational, fun, and hands-on programs that appeal to visitors of all ages.
  • Experience in leading various size tour groups to a diverse audience. 
  • Knowledge of primary or secondary source research and analysis.

Management Preferences:

  • Knowledge of maritime history, modern day narratives, and watercrafts.
  • Knowledge of collections management.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See of oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma 
AND
four years of experience in giving or developing museum tours;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental and Contact Information

Section/Unit Description:

Roanoke Island Festival Park is a 27-acre site. First opening in 1983 with the “Elizabeth II”, a 16th

century replica sailing vessel, and a visitor’s center. In 1998, an expansion project was completed

adding an 8,500 sq. ft. Adventure Museum; a 240-seat film/small performance indoor theatre; a 50-seat

auditorium; Ticket Sales; a 3,000-sq. ft. meeting room; an outdoor performance pavilion with lawn

seating for 3,500; a museum store; administrative offices; maintenance facilities; waterside boardwalks;

and a public Kayak Launch. Visit us at https://www.roanokeisland.com/ to learn more!

Division Description:

The Division of State Historic Sites was established to coordinate the administration of the Department of Natural

and Cultural Resources’ State Historic Sites Program, which includes 27 historic sites across North Carolina and

Division offices located in Raleigh. We connect people to North Carolina’s history, sharing the power of place to

inspire a common future through preservation, education, and transformative engagement.

Marine Geophysicist

Looking for a career in maritime archaeology in a growing company with lots of opportunities? Then we would love to hear from you.

MSDS Marine have grown steadily since we were first established in 2011 and are now a market leader in maritime archaeology in the UK. MSDS currently have a large volume of work and are involved in many high-profile offshore development projects. As a result, we are looking to expand our team by recruiting an experienced, enthusiastic and self-motivated marine geophysicist. Whilst the role is marine focused, we would also like to hear from individuals that fit the criteria within a terrestrial environment, but with a desire to work in the marine environment. We understand that core skills are transferable, and we would be able to support a transition and your development.

We have a competitive package of employee benefits including flexible working options and are currently trialling a four-day working week!

You will be an experienced heritage or geophysics professional, educated to at least degree level, with a proven track record in geophysical work. You will work closely with other team members on existing work as well as identifying and following opportunities for future work. We are looking for someone who wants to help shape our future growth and has ideas to the future direction they believe we should take.

The role will require you to undertake a range of activities, primarily relating to marine geophysics, from research and GIS analysis, to data processing and interpretation to report writing and provision of advice to clients. A clear and robust understanding of marine heritage in UK waters and the legislation, policy and curatorial advice which govern this is desirable. MSDS Marine prides itself on good client relationships borne from a strong understanding of our client’s requirements and wishes, and as such the role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Creative thinking and the ability to apply this in different areas, from the development of complex survey strategies to the inception of new projects, would also be highly desirable.

Find out more here.

Competitive package of employee benefits available here https://msdsmarine.com/about-us/msds-marine-as-an-employer/

We are currently trialing a four-day working week until the end of March 2024. We are hoping this will become a permanent option for all staff. Find out more here: https://msdsmarine.com/2024-is-time-for-change/

Want to know more?

Contact Mark James for an informal chat. Email: Mark@msdsmarine.co.uk Tel: 01332 300043

To apply please submit a cover letter and CV to info@msdsmarine.co.uk

Closing Date: 29th February 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.

Researcher/Senior Researcher in Maritime History

https://www.ofir.dk/jobs/researchersenior-nationalmuseet-brede-lyngby-taarbaek-2484468/

The National Museum of Denmark is seeking a candidate to fill a position as Researcher/Senior Researcher within the field of Maritime History. The National Museum of Denmark has a strong track record of marine archaeological research and conservation. It is currently establishing an interdisciplinary and international Research Centre for Maritime and Submarine Cultural Heritage with a focus on the preservation of underwater cultural heritage and various aspects of the maritime history of Denmark from ancient times to the present. In addition to strengthening research within these areas, there will be a strong focus on communicating the results to a wider public and contributing to the inclusion of maritime history within the planned developments of the National Museum in Copenhagen.

We are looking for a candidate with a broad chronological approach to Danish maritime history or is willing to establish and work with such an approach and engage in cross-disciplinary research and wider academic cross-disciplinary discussions. Furthermore, it will be considered a plus if the candidate has an interest in the preservation of underwater cultural heritage.

Job description

For the first five years the position is financed by Dampskibsselskabet Orient´s Fond//NORDEN, and the Researcher/Senior Researcher will be part of the new Research Centre, headed by Professor David Gregory, and will contribute to the development and implementation of the research programme funded by the foundation. Current projects at the Centre for Maritime and Submarine Cultural Heritage include the documentation, conservation and dissemination of an early medieval shipwreck; various studies into the decay of archaeological materials in the marine environment; archival and physical investigation of Danish shipwrecks in international waters; and the study of the marine environment in relation to Denmark’s maritime economy.

During this five-year period, it will be possible for the successful applicant to develop their own research within the maritime area providing content and input for the Museum’s public dissemination on all relevant platforms. The aim is to make the Museum’s collections and the results of the Research Centre relevant and visible to a wider audience in relation to the development of the new National Museum in Copenhagen. Overall, the successful candidate must contribute to the museum’s general strategy 2019-2024 (https://natmus.dk/uploads/media/National_museum_of_denmark_strategy_2019_-_2024.pdf)

The Researcher/Senior Researcher will be organizationally embedded in one of our three research sections but will work closely with the head of the new Research Centre, Professor David Gregory.

Essential qualifications and experience

We are looking for a Researcher/Senior Researcher who

  • holds a PhD in history or a related discipline
  • has experience with high-level research within maritime cultural history
  • has a proven record of international publications
  • has experience with working with historical paper archives (primarily in Danish)
  • will apply for and obtain external funding for research projects and/or consultancy work in collaboration with internal and external partners
  • has an aptitude for collaboration and coordination across disciplinary boundaries, and innovative approaches to research in maritime cultural history and/or material culture
  • has an ability to engage in wider academic and comparative discussions of cross-disciplinary relevance
  • has a good national and international network
  • possesses good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain good collaboration with colleagues and external partners
  • has a valid driver´s license

The applicants are expected to have obtained their experience from previous employment at an institute of higher education, a sector research institution, a museum or the equivalent.

Since the primary working language at the National Museum is Danish, a non-Danish-speaking employee is expected to acquire the necessary Danish language skills within a short period of time (max. two years).

The employment is associated with regular travel activity (total maximum of one month per year).

Terms of salary and employment

The working hours are 37 hours a week. Terms of pay and employment are determined in accordance with the collective agreement for academics employed by the Danish state and executive order of 30 October 2015 on the job structure for academic staff with research responsibilities in archives, libraries, museums etc. under the Danish Ministry of Culture.

The appointment of a Researcher is a part of a tenure track, where the candidate after no more than 4 years will be assessed by an expert assessment committee. If the evaluation is positive, the candidate will transfer to a position as Senior Researcher. In case of two non-positive evaluations, the Museum will proceed with a termination of employment.

The position as Senior Researcher is permanent.

The position as Researcher/Senior Researcher is expected to be filled by the 1st of June 2024 or as soon as possible hereafter.

The place of work will primarily be at the National Museum of Denmark in Brede, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, north of Copenhagen.

Application procedure

The National Museum is actively working to promote equality among employees and encourages all qualified, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

The application is to be submitted in English and must include the following:

  • Letter with motivation for the application (max. one page)
  • Curriculum vitae, incl. education, language skills, record of public dissemination and other skills relevant for the position
  • A description of current research and future research plans (max. 3 pages)
  • Complete list of publications (mark the publications sent in for evaluation)
  • Copies of 3 publications to be considered in the assessment. Full copies must be sent by post or uploaded as pdf (maximum size pr. file 2 mb) via the electronic recruitment system. Links to publications are not accepted
  • Copies of university exams, Master diploma and PhD certificates or equivalent
  • Transcript of university exams into English, if not written in English, Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish

If a publication to be considered in the evaluation has more than one author, or is the result of a collective effort, it must be clearly specified which part of the publication the applicant is responsible for. In the absence of a specification, the expert Assessment Committee will disregard that publication(s).

Applications must be sent via the electronic recruitment system on our website www.natmus.dk/job and must be uploaded by 1st March 2024.

Any publications to be included in the assessment must be received by the National Museum on 1st March 2024. Publications can either be uploaded to the recruitment system or sent to Nationalmuseet, Frederiksholms Kanal 12, DK-1220 København K, Denmark, marking the envelope ‘Personale’. Publications sent to the Museum must be submitted in 3 copies. Only books or similar will be returned.

The National Museum of Denmark will set up an expert Assessment Committee with external participation to evaluate the applications. When the Committee has completed its assessment, each applicant will receive the part of the overall assessment that specifically refers to her/him. Qualified applicants will be invited for interviews in a panel set up by the Museum.

For specific questions about the position, please contact Deputy Director Lars Højer, lars.hojer@natmus.dk, phone +45 41 20 69 05

Nationalmuseet er Danmarks kulturhistoriske hovedmuseum og et statsmuseum under Kulturministeriet. Nationalmuseet styrker historiebevidsthed og medborgerskab ved at belyse Danmarks og verdens kulturer og deres indbyrdes afhængighed. Ca. 655 medarbejdere er fordelt på 4 afdelinger: Forskning, Samling og Bevaring, Museer og Slotte, Nationalmuseet København samt Drift og Administration. Se mere om Nationalmuseet på www.natmus.dk

Koç University Mustafa V. Koç Maritime Archaeology Research Center (KUDAR) short-term residential fellowship in Istanbul, in the Spring of 2024

Call for Applications: KUDAR Short-Term Residential Fellowship

The Koç University Mustafa V. Koç Maritime Archaeology Research Center (KUDAR) will be offering one short-term residential fellowship in Istanbul, in the Spring of 2024.  The fellowship is supported by the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) Istanbul. We are seeking applicants to conduct desk-based research on specific maritime aspects of the ancient city of Pergamon and its surrounding region, preferably focusing on the carrying capacity of its three main ports at Elaia, Pitane, and Kane.  This research may be a stand-alone project, or part of the applicant’s larger research agenda. 

The successful applicant will have housing in the residence of the DAI in Istanbul for the duration of their research.  They are expected to be in residence in Istanbul for approximately two to three months, and ideally between the middle of March and the middle of June, 2024.  The residential fellow will also be awarded a stipend during their residency of approximately 1200 EUR per month.  To apply, please send the following items as email attachments:

  • Research Statement (two pages maximum): Proposed plan of research while in residence, which should include the research topic, methodology, and use of DAI resources.
  • Personal Statement (one page maximum): Applicant’s scholarly background and experience to undertake the proposed research plan.
  • Curriculum Vita, including contact information

The deadline for applications will be Monday, January 15th, 2024.  For more information about the application process, this opportunity, and expectations, please feel free to contact Dr. Matthew Harpster at mharpster@ku.edu.tr.

Underwater Archaeology on St. Eustatius

Class is filling up. Sign up now. The Caribbean in January.

The St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research (SECAR) and Terramar Museum are organizing an underwater archaeological field school from January 4 to January 18, 2018, on St. Eustatius in the Dutch Caribbean.

http://www.pasthorizons.com/worldprojects/Details.asp?ID=27996