Jennifer F. McKinnon

Difficult Heritage: Interpreting Underwater Battlefield Sites

This chapter provides an in-depth discussion on the process of developing a WWII maritime heritage trail in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It explores the theory and practice and problems and solutions of interpreting and managing difficult heritage such as a battlefield. A range of topics is discussed, including local engagement and consultation, memories and heritage, political and social contexts, and interpretation.

A Colonial Shipwreck in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Previous underwater cultural heritage investigations conducted in the western Pacifics Northern Mariana Islands largely focused on the submerged World War Two remains, despite the islands’ rich colonial history. The island chain was the setting of numerous historical occupations including indigenous Chamorro populations, Spain, Germany, Japan and the United States, all of which created a lasting maritime heritage legacy on land and under water. This paper presents the first colonial shipwreck investigation to be undertaken by archaeologists and fills a gap in our history and knowledge of the Mariana Islands’ pre-World War Two era.

“They Drank Their Own Tears”: Archaeology of Conflict Sites

This chapter examines the human element of researching and interpreting conflict sites through an examination of several themes including monuments and memorialization, memories, and contested heritage. It provides examples of how the Battle of Saipan impacted many individuals, families, and groups and how it still is an active historical narrative for those who call the island their home today.

Underwater Archaeology of a WWII Battlefield

This chapter discusses recent archaeological research and public outreach and interpretation undertaken on Saipan’s submerged and coastal WWII-related cultural heritage. A number of initiatives including a maritime heritage trail, in situ conservation surveys, an interpretive film, training, and a preservation plan were completed as a result of this project. All the while, an examination of the ethics and professional issues that underlie researching and interpreting modern conflict sites is considered and evaluated.

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.

The Archaeological Survey of WWII Underwater Cultural Heritage: A Multiagency, Collaborative Approach

This chapter provides a description of the maritime archaeological work carried out in the CNMI to record WWII underwater cultural heritage and describes and discusses the multiagency approach that was implemented. Such an approach is critical when funding and personnel are limited, and multiple stakeholders are invested in and manage marine-related resources. Interagency and agency to academia collaborations can provide a mechanism by which more work can be accomplished through in-kind support and cooperation.