Lord Dunmore’s Floating Town: Past, Present, and Future
Virginia’s last Royal Governor, John Murray, Lord Dunmore, was a controversial figure who played an interesting and pivotal role during the American Revolution. The Institute of Maritime History sought to find the remnants of his “Floating Town” from 1776 in the St. Marys River, Maryland under a Maryland Historical Trust non-capital grant.
SHIP: Submerged Historical Inventory Project
The Institute of Maritime History conducted a multi-state project for State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs), using volunteer divers and researchers to scout for shipwrecks, assess them, gather archival data, and report their findings.
Submerged Prehistoric Landscape Survey in Blue Hill Bay, Maine
In 2007-2008, IMH participated in a 2-year submerged prehistoric landscape survey in Maine under the direction of Stefan Claesson and the University of New Hampshire(UNH). Supported by a grant from NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, the survey explored a region of Blue Hill Bay, Maine for the presence of submerged prehistoric landscapes and archaeological sites.
Seal Cove Shipwreck Project
The Seal Cove Shipwreck Project, funded by the National Park Service’s Submerged Resources Center and the Institute for Maritime History, recorded archaeologically a historic wooden shipwreck on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Situated in the inter-tidal zone on Acadia National Park easement land owned by the Town of Tremont, the wreck was surveyed between July 30 and August 6, 2011.
Kingstown Harbour Shipwreck Project
From December 10, 1997, to January 10, 1998, IMH conducted a detailed survey of a historic shipwreck in Kingstown Harbor with the assistance of the Academic Diving Program at Florida State University. The Organization of American States and the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines supported the expedition to explore and document the archaeological site.
Annabella Shipwreck Excavation Project
The excavation of the coasting schooner Annabella in Cape Neddick, Maine, was the first archaeological project by IMH in 1995. Annabella transported raw materials such as cordwood, brick, coal, and perishables to markets and industries along the eastern United States. The excavation revealed a shallow-drafted and heavily built vessel that was typical of New England schooners constructed for the coasting trade.
Achill Island Maritime Archaeology Project
Achill is Ireland’s largest island, located off the traditionally remote coast of Co Mayo between Clew and Blacksod Bays. Long renowned for its magnificent vistas, dynamic coastline, and friendly communities, Achill today sees a regular influx of visitors during the summer months while still retaining an atmosphere of isolation. An ongoing excavation program implemented by the Achill Folklife Centre has brought much attention to the many archaeological sites situated across Achill’s rugged landscape.
Rainsford Island Archaeological Survey
In 2001, a map was created of the above-ground and underwater landscapes and archaeological sites of Rainsford Island, one of the 34 islands located in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. The project was conducted by the Institute of Maritime History (IMH) with support of the Center of Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) and sponsored by the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) and the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC).