NAS News

Big Anchor Project Recording Day - Tuesday 7th July 11am to 4.30pm

Portland Museum will be hosting the Nautical Archaeological Society to formally launch their Big Anchor Project in Dorset.

Portland Museum has a fine collection of ships anchors, and more are to be found elsewhere on the Island. The Big Anchor Project is coming to the museum on Tuesday 7th July to both record the anchors there and to encourage people to go out and record anchors elsewhere. All over the world, in every old port or coastal town, you can find old anchors. Rusting away in forgotten corners, set up on plinths as memorials, or decorating roundabouts, traffic islands or houses. Yet these anchors have a story to tell, changes in design can mark man’s technological progress, the distribution of particular types may show old trade routes, or mark the progress of exploration. This is where the Big Anchor Project comes in. Organised by the Nautical Archaeological Society it has a modest aim to record the anchors of the world! So if you would like to help with an international archaeological project come along and find out, you can help record the anchors in the museum, and then you can go out and record anchors wherever you find them. You can find out more from the website www.biganchorproject.com

CALL FOR PAPERS! 21st Annual Symposium on Maritime Archaeology and History of Hawaii and the Pacific, Feb 13-15, 2010, Honolulu

This is a call for papers for the 21st Annual Symposium on Maritime Archaeology and History of Hawai`i and the Pacific, February 13-15, 2010 in Honolulu, Hawai`i. The theme for this year’s conference is “Sunken Warbirds: The Legacy of Naval Aviation in the Pacific.” Paper topics are not limited to this theme but special consideration will be given to abstracts that incorporate this message.

Tentative session titles include:

• Aviation archaeology
• History of aviation in the Pacific
• Recent maritime archaeology fieldwork
• General sessions on maritime archaeology and maritime history

ABSTRACTS should be no more than 300 words and include a title, name(s) of presenters and affiliation. All presenters will be expected to register for the conference. Information concerning registration will be sent to presenters upon acceptance of their abstracts. STUDENTS: There will be two student scholarships awarded to cover the registration fee for this conference. Please see the website for more information.

Deadline for Abstracts is November 1, 2009

Please email you abstract and contact information to: Suzanne Finney at finney@mahhi.org
For more information about the conference, go to:  http://www.mahhi.org/

All presenters will be notified by November 15, 2009

Bryan Smith Recognised for Service to Maritime Archaeology

Bryan has worked on various maritime Archaeological sites; 6 in the UK, 1 in the Channel Islands, 4 in the Mediterranean and 11 in the rest of the rest of the world. He was also a committee member on the NAS for 10 years and has helped Bob Peacock with his work on the Goodwin sands.

Bryan is suffering from cancer and Seadive members felt it was appropriate to recognise Bryans achievements from the many sites on which he has worked. In May 2009 he was presented with an award in Recognition of service to maritime archaeology by Mensun Bound, whom he worked with on many projects.

A Research Framework for the Maritime, Marine and Coastal Archaeology of England

Developing a ‘Maritime and Marine Historic Environment Research Framework’ for England.

English Heritage have commissioned the Centre of Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton to co-ordinate the development of a research framework for the maritime, marine and coastal archaeology of England.

The research framework will provide a coherent overview of previous research into the maritime and marine historic environment of England, in order to enable long-term strategic planning, to inform policy and to provide a statement of agreed research priorities within which researchers can shape projects. 

In order for this to be both a successful reflection of the current state of knowledge and a vehicle by which the key research questions for this diverse community can be identified, it is essential that all those involved in the maritime, marine or coastal archaeology of England, from the academic, commercial and voluntary sectors, are involved in its creation. To this end we are inviting as many stakeholders as possible to be involved in the process.

Developing a Resource Assessment and Research Agenda:
The project involves an assessment of our current state of knowledge on a period-by-period or thematic basis (the resource assessment) and production of a research agenda outlining the gaps in our knowledge, strengths to build upon and identifying future avenues of research. 

The resource assessment process and the subsequent development of a research agenda will be driven by working groups.  Each working group, comprised of 5-6 members and two chairs.  The resource assessment and research agenda documents produced by the working groups will be open to public consultation through the project website, and in addition a targeted consultation group of 'critical friends' (experts and practitioners in the field) will be recruited to comment in detail on them.  After consultation these will be drawn together into one Maritime and Marine Historic Environment Resource Assessment and Research Agenda for England, ready for publication in July 2010.

Working Groups:

Key Project Dates and Getting Involved:
Upcoming key dates are the introductory project seminars on the afternoon of Tuesday June 9th in London and Thursday June 11th in York.  These short seminars are open to everyone and will introduce the scope, structure and methodology of the project as well as provide opportunity for discussion.

The ‘Working Group Workshop’ will be on July 9th-10th in Winchester. During the workshop we will be establishing the Framework's structure and details of the Resource Assessment and Research Agenda documents, and holding start-up meetings for each working group. There will also be a larger project conference open to all in April 2010, to present the Resource Assessment and agree the Research Agenda.

There are three stages to producing a Research Framework: 1. Resource Assessment; 2. Research Agenda; 3. Research Strategy. The final stage – agreeing a prioritised list of research objectives – will follow as a second project once the Resource Assessment and Research Agenda have been agreed and published.

If you are interested in participating, would like further project details or wish to book a place on one of the introductory seminars, please contact Jesse Ransley at framework@soton.ac.uk

Help record the anchors of the world!

As part of the Big Anchor Project the NAS is running a recording day at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich to record their collect of anchors and further contribute to our knowledge of this iconic symbol of our maritime past.

Saturday 16th May 2009 12noon – 4pm, National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. Meet at the main Romney Road museum entrance at 12 noon to meet project supervisors from the Nautical Archaeology Society and partner organisations who will show you how to use the recording forms designed to record stocked anchors.

Event organiser Mark Beattie-Edwards, NAS Programme Director (Contact: 07969028678) will be joined by project coordinators Gordon Le Pard, and other NAS volunteers.

Just need to bring yourself, a camera, a pencil and some warm/dry clothes (just in case).

If you wish to register for the event please contact the NAS Office on 02392 818419 or email info@biganchorproject.com

Greenwich Maritime Museum Recording Day (pdf)

www.biganchorproject.com

MAD about the Swash Channel Wreck – A Maritime Archaeology Day

The mysteries of one of Britain’s most endangered shipwrecks will be revealed at a special open day hosted by Bournemouth University (BU).

The unique Maritime Archaeological Day (MAD) about the Swash Channel Wreck is scheduled for Saturday, 2nd May on BU’s Talbot Campus from 10am till 4pm. During the day the University’s experts and students in marine and maritime archaeology will share their findings from the 17th century ship discovered in the Swash Channel off the Dorset coast.

Artefacts raised from the Wreck will be on display including replicas to allow visitors a hands-on experience. Prospective students are particularly welcome to attend together with anyone interested in archaeology, diving and maritime history.

BU’s leading maritime archaeology experts, Paola Palma and Dave Parham, will speak on their experiences of working on the Wreck site. Current undergraduate and postgraduate students will also be on hand, joined by Catherine Gardiner of Poole Museum with a talk entitled “Every wreck tells a story: Poole Museum and the Swash Channel Wreck finds” and Alison Hamer from English Heritage who have both supported the site and share in the belief that it represents a significant and important discovery. 

Although the Wreck’s country of origin is yet to be confirmed, it is believed to date from the 1620s based on the impressive array of artefacts recovered by BU staff and students. Finds from the site include iron cannons, wooden barrels, rigging elements, copper, pewter, bones, ceramic domestic material, leather shoes, musket balls and apothecary jars. One of the most impressive relics recovered is a rare and outstanding wooden carving of a merman which made news headlines in the Summer of 2008

Anyone wishing to attend or needing further information can contact Paola Palma via email at: ppalma@bournemouth.ac.uk

For more information on the Swash Channel Wreck please follow the link below:

The Swash Channel Wreck (pdf)

Saving Shipwrecks Through Education

Training to survey and protect Ontario’s underwater heritage just got easier. Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) announces today it has entered into a partnership with the Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) of Portsmouth UK. As a training partner, SOS has been empowered to deliver a world class maritime archaeology education program, developed by the society.

A committee of instructors has been established. Training will begin in 2009. NAS courses are in high demand by divers in Ontario - previously limited instructors were available. SOS aims to provide opportunities for training across the province to fill this need. Course scheduling and availability will be posted on the SOS web site as soon as possible at www.SaveOntarioShipwrecks.on.ca.

Save Ontario Shipwrecks, a provincial heritage organization founded in 1981, is run strictly by volunteers. It has 10 chapters, is funded through membership, fundraising and in part by a grant from Ontario Ministry of Culture as well as private donations. Key initiatives include: a mooring program; above and below water informative plaques; public information displays; workshops and seminars as well as shipwreck surveys / monitoring.

Mark Beattie-Edwards, NAS Programme Director is excited about this opportunity for training courses to be offered in Ontario and wishes the instructors the best in taking this partnership forward.

Norseman Wreck Online Now

An often neglected field for investigation by archaeologists are the hulks of ships scattering the many estuaries and inlets surrounding the UK. Whilst less likely to yield ‘artefacts’, they can reveal a great deal about ship building techniques. Furthermore there are often tales associated with them that can be revealed by still living eye witnesses or local history sources. For the amateur archaeologist these remains make an ideal project. They can be visited whenever tidal conditions permit without the need for expensive boat hire and weather limited diving conditions. Simple tape measure techniques can be precisely applied and provide results worthy of lodging with the local Historic Environment Record (HER). Furthermore these projects can often reveal historical links of great interest to local residents.

An example of this is the recently completed 'Norseman' project run in conjunction with the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology by Keith Clark. This revealed the history of a fine top-masted schooner built in the US for a multi-millionaire in 1881. Later the ship fell on hard times and was converted to a floating brothel and used on the River Hamble. It finally ended its days in a blaze of flames at Swanwick where it was used as a houseboat.

The full story can be read on the Norseman website and the final report downloaded from:

www.norsemanwreck.co.uk

New Maritime Archaeological Archives Survey

The situation in the UK relating to maritime archaeological archives and collections is currently being investigated. There are few museums and archives which are able to accept and curate collections, however, there are a range of maritime archaeological archives and objects which are currently cared for by individuals, organizations and societies. To try to improve the situation for the long-term in terms of facilities, advice and expertise a survey is being undertake to try to gather information on the amount of material currently held, the types of material (objects, paper records, photographs, digital files etc) and its accessibility.

The project is called 'Securing a Future for Maritime Archaeological Archives' and is being supported by English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Royal Commission for the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland and the Society of Museum Archaeologists. The Hampshire & Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, Institute of Field Archaeologists and Archaeology Data Service are responsible for delivering the project.

As the Designated Protected Wreck Sites form some of the largest and important archives of maritime archaeological material and information we are hoping that you will be able to help us by filling in the online questionnaire which we have developed. Further information on the project is available at: http://www.hwtma.org.uk/projects/MaritimeArchaeologicalArchives.htm where you can find, a number of downloadable documents and links to relevant projects and information.

If you would prefer to go straight to the questionnaire, follow this link:

www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dI5IeOidB9GGCfVWSctF_2bQ_3d_3d

Please complete the questionnaire and support the project. Without this baseline information it is impossible to gauge the current numbers and diversity of maritime archives and collections, with this information we can help develop appropriate responses to ensure there are enhanced facilities and support for our maritime archaeological heritage.

For further information contact:

Alison Hamer
Education Officer
The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology
Room W1/95
National Oceanography Centre
Empress Dock
Southampton
SO14 3ZH
T: + 44 (0) 2380 237300

International Congress: ARCHAEOLOGY OF BRIDGES

Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany

5th - 8th November 2009

Throughout human history bridge building has been a major technical challenge. Ancient and medieval engineers constructed stone bridges, some of which are still in use today. Wooden crossings have left only a few remains in waterlogged subsoil. The aim of this congress is to identify the locations, development and construction principles of bridges in different regions and countries, from prehistoric times up to the beginning of the 19th century, based on archaeological and historical research. Lectures and posters should focus on methods and techniques of archaeological excavation, on land or under water, and conservation treatments.

The congress will be held in Regensburg in the historic „Salzstadel“, located on the banks of the Danube at the foot of the exceptional Stone Bridge, which was completed around 1147 CE. Please click on the link for more details.

Bridges Conference flyer

Montenegro Ratifies 2001 UNESCO Convention

UNESCO has confirmed that Montenegro ratified the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage on July 18th, 2008.

This ratification brings the number of signatory State Parties to 18. Only two more to go before the Convention will enter into force.

For more information on the UNESCO 2001 Convention, or Underwater Cultural Heritage visit:

UNESCO

Northwestern Michigan College to run its very first NAS Introduction Course at Grand Traverse Bay

Grand Traverse Bay is now Michigan's 12th Underwater Preserve. Become qualified to participate in new discoveries by taking this entry-level Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) class. Learn more about archaeology and discover the need for conservation and preservation of the underwater cultural heritage whether you are a diver or non-diver. Practice your newly learned techniques of surveying and recording in practical sessions on land and in a pool experience.

The course will take place on Monday nights October 20, 27 and November 3, 2008 at the Great Lakes Campus (Rm. 211), Northwestern Michigan College with Instructor: Dr. Mark Holley.

Cost: $115 (includes pool fee). Register online at:
www.nmc.edu/ees/enrichment/sport-outdoor.htm
or visit the Training Diary of the NAS website for more information.

New BIAB on its way!

All of your archaeological references and publications in one place!

Do you ever feel like you spend most of your valuable research time fruitlessly looking for references and publications? Do you desperately want to find a single resource that can point you in the direction of around 200,000 items of research on a huge variety of subjects? The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) has the answer...

The British and Irish Archaeological Bibliography (biab online) is the most comprehensive list of everything ever written on British and Irish archaeology. It contains around 200,000 records on a huge range of subjects from Palaeolithic DNA to post-medieval housing, and from sources as wide-ranging as published books, journals and post-graduate theses.

And the best bit? Access to the service is FREE!

For more information, visit biab online

biab

CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT IN POSEIDONS REICH XIV - "Underwater Archaeology in Northern European Rivers and Lakes"

To be held at the University of Kiel on 20th - 22th February 2009

in collaboration between:

• the German Society for the Promotion of Underwater Archaeology (DEGUWA)
• the Department of Prehistory at the University of Kiel
• the Workgroup for Maritime and Limnic Archaeology (AMLA)

In Europe the term 'underwater archaeology' is associated with spectacular discoveries, like wrecks in the Mediterranean or in the North and Baltic Seas or also pile-dwellings in the alpine foothills. For solving questions related to settlement archaeology, mainly archaeological research in inland waters is of importance. In the past decades impressive results were achieved - mainly in the Circumbaltic area and on the British Isles - through maritime and limnic surveys as well as excavations in rivers and lakes.

The DEGUWA-conference in Kiel aims to illuminate three related subject areas. The first deals with settlements and their locations on lakefronts as well as on natural or artificial islands. The second focusses on infrastructural facilities for crossing or traversing waters in wetlands as well as on fortification and harbour facilities. The third concerns mobile traffic facilities for the transportation of goods and passengers over water.

All interested in underwater archaeological research in northern European rivers and lakes are sincerely invited to attend this conference as auditors, as speakers and/or as contributors to the poster presentation. Paper proposals are to be submitted not later than the 1st October 2008 with an abstract in English, German or French of not more than 200 words.

Further information and registration forms are available on the DEGUWA website (www.deguwa.org):

In Poseidons Reich XIV

A call-for-papers is available as PDF-file: Please feel free to disseminate it within your department and amongst your colleagues and friends.

Maritime Archaeology and Ancient Trade Conference

Madrid 18th – 20th September 2008

Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology organises a conference to explore the contribution of maritime archaeology to the understanding of trade and exchange in the region of the ancient Mediterranean.

For more info, click here

Job vacancy at the NAS

Please find full details by following the link, for any other additional information, contact us at the office or by email

Job description

Contact page

BAJR creates Past Horizons!

For those of you interested in archaeology generally, our friends at Past Horizons have created a portal to enable people - whether amateur or professional - to participate in archaeological projects around the world. Some of the projects require no archaeological experience to participate but you will work with professionals who will provide guidance on a daily basis. Other projects are mainly for student participation where academic credits can be obtained and others are for professionals only.

So, if you just want to do something different with your holidays or have a sabbatical to take, have a look and see if there is something that appeals to you, there is something to suit all budgets. If you want to ask us about what it is like to go on an archaeological dig please feel free to get in touch as we have been on many digs around the world from Jordan - Georgia – Thailand. You might also like to ask members of the forum what their experiences have been or even make arrangements with people going on the same dig.

Click on the following link for more information:

Past Horizons

NAS supports MACHU project

Managing Cultural Heritage Underwater is a new European project aiming at making information about our common underwater cultural heritage more accessible for researchers, policy makers and the general public. This will be achieved through the construction of a GIS based Decision Support System with a web-based interface.

Visit the the MACHU website for more information…

MACHU

Free Software - Site Recorder 4 SE

It’s not often that you get something for free, but now you can: free survey processing software. 3H Consulting Ltd. in association with the Nautical Archaeology Society have made Site Recorder 4 SE (Student Edition) available at no cost and the program can simply be downloaded from the Member’s area of the NAS web site.

Site Recorder 4 SE Article

Please see our diary for events planned for later this year.

Diary

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