Della Scott-Ireton

The Value of Public Education and Interpretation in Submerged Cultural Resource Management

Interpretation and management of maritime sites present unique challenges in the arena of historic preservation and heritage tourism. Archaeologists and managers struggle to change public perception of what shipwrecks represent, while encouraging visitation but controlling use-related impact to fragile sites. The most effective way to protect archaeological sites, whether on land or underwater, is to instill in the public the concept that these places and objects have value. Not the intrinsic value of treasure hunter propaganda, but cultural and historical value as precious pieces of our past. Methods for instilling and fostering this sense of value have been developed and employed in various settings around the world. This chapter explores several of the most successful methods, and also discusses some unique issues and problems involved in the establishment and management of underwater archaeological preserves, shipwreck parks, and maritime heritage trails.

A Maritime Heritage Trail and Shipwreck Preserves for the Cayman Islands

Maritime heritage trails, underwater archaeological preserves, and shipwreck parks are proven methods for promoting public access to maritime cultural sites, both on land and under water (Spirek and Scott-Ireton, 2003). Inclusive educational and interpretive strategies employed in public access programs help to preserve sites by inspiring the public. People become guardians of the past as they learn about sites and their importance for research and recreation. Interpreted maritime cultural resources become heritage attractions for their communities, providing economic benefits through tourism and site visitation. Many maritime cultural sites, both on land and under water, are appropriate for public access and interpretation. Land-based maritime sites, such as lighthouses, wharves, and careenages interpreted thematically, provide opportunities for visitors to learn about a community’s seafaring heritage. Diving and snorkelling visitors can experience submerged resources such as shipwrecks, inundated sites, and structures built in water that are presented as both historically significant cultural resources and as environmentally important ecological resources. While certain maritime sites are too fragile and archaeologically sensitive to support public visitation, there are other more robust sites that have become stable in their environment. Effectively interpreted and actively managed, these sites can sustain large numbers of visitors.

Lessons Learned Along the Way: The Florida Public Archaeology Network after Ten Years

Created by the Florida Legislature in 2004, the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) has grown into a positive force for preservation, public engagement, and community collaboration in archaeology. This article discusses the genesis of FPAN and how the organization has changed in scope, evolved in mission, and addressed challenges, ideally providing ideas and direction for similar programmes in other locations.

Expressions of a Dying Tradition: Vernacular Watercraft in Apalachicola, Florida

The port town of Apalachicola, Florida, located at the mouth of the Apalachicola River, owed its growth in the nineteenth century to boat traffic that enabled offshore and riverine commerce. Vernacular styles of watercraft were developed by community labor to meet local needs, conditions, and desires. Remains of locally built and used vessels, discovered in the river and neighboring sounds, allowed archaeologists to record the last vestiges of a dying tradition.

As the Sand Settles: Education and Archaeological Tourism on Underwater Cultural Heritage

Underwater cultural heritage sites draw thousands of diving tourists lured by the excitement of shipwrecks and the beauty of the marine environment. Through scientific research and interpretation, archaeologists have the opportunity to educate these visitors about the history of the sites and, perhaps more importantly, about the need for preservation. Effective interpretation leads to appreciation of underwater cultural heritage sites as links to our past, rather than simply as mines of ‘treasure’ to be salvaged for personal gain or sites of interest to be consumed by tourists. This paper describes a selection of interpreted maritime sites from the continental US (with specific reference to Florida), the Caribbean, and the Pacific to show how archaeological tourism, specifically shipwreck preserves and heritage trails, can begin to change mindsets, engage emotions, and inform visitors. It also discusses ways in which we can improve upon assessment, monitoring, and long-term preservation strategies after the trails are created and the sand has settled.

Sailing the SSEAS: A New Program for Public Engagement in Underwater Archaeology

Programs to enable sport divers to participate in archaeological projects are widespread, effective, and popular. Once trained, however, divers may have difficulty finding a project that can take volunteers. The Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) is embarking on a new program in public engagement in underwater archaeology to address this issue. The Submerged Sites Education and Archaeological Stewardship program (SSEAS) is intended to train sport divers in methods of non-disturbance archaeological recording and then give these trained divers a mission.