|
|
 |
|
Great Lakes Historical Society,
Maritime Archaological Survey Team, and
ODNR Office of Coastal Management
For the past five years, Great Lakes Historical Society, Maritime
Archaeological Survey Team, and ODNR's Office of Coastal Management have worked
together to promote awareness of Ohio's Lake Erie shipwrecks. Great Lakes Historical
society employees have traveled throughout northeast Ohio, presenting educational
programs to over 1500 people. Displays at events like 'Shipwrecks and SCUBA'
in Sandusky and the Tall Ships Festival in Cleveland have featured information
on shipwreck history, safe diving techniques, and Ohio's shipwreck law. A yearly
underwater archaeology workshop promotes understanding of shipwrecks and how
to protect them. Students get a chance to practice their skills on land with
a mock shipwreck, and then map small sunken crafts in the controlled environment
of a quarry. Each student who completes the workshop is considered a full member
of Maritime Archaeological Survey Team. Over the past seven years, more than
150 people have been involved in surveying five historic shipwrecks: the Adventure,
WR Hanna, PH Prince, the Craftsman, and the Dundee. Each survey ends in publication
of a waterproof dive slate with a short history of the wreck, a sketch of the
ship before it sank, and a site plan with the most interesting features highlighted.
Related reports offer a more in-depth look at each ship. This year, five high
school students were invited to become charter members of a new program dedicated
to involving Ohio youth in shipwreck preservation. By working together, the
three organizations have helped educate thousands of Ohioans about the significance
of our state's historic shipwrecks and the value of preserving them.
|
|
|
