underwater archaeology

[GrierHPharmD]

All of the above are great suggestions. The only thing I might add is that you might want to come to central florida on a vacation and dive some of the more accessible sites. I'm not sure which states offer archeological training, but I know that Florida and South Carolina have state-sponsored programs that allow certification for work on some active sites. If I can find the link, I'll forward it to you.

Welcome to the board,
Grier

 

[tfohl]

All of the above are great suggestions. The only thing I might add is that you might want to come to central florida on a vacation and dive some of the more accessible sites. I'm not sure which states offer archeological training, but I know that Florida and South Carolina have state-sponsored programs that allow certification for work on some active sites. If I can find the link, I'll forward it to you.

Welcome to the board,
Grier

Many thanks to you and all the above.

At this point I am just scouting for ideas. The first steps are to get a feel for the environments in which a search could be made. The next stage is to develop means to locate promising sites and identify some evidence that would support a proposal for a more formal investigation. Beyond that I would have to rely on the professionals. In Massachusetts archaeology activity is heavily regulated and has political overtones I gather. Thus anything resembling excavation or artifact collection is the province of people with experience (or the Raiders of the Lost Ark fantasizers).

Methods of locating and identifying indicators of prehistoric human activity are what I am looking for now.

Thanks again.

Tim fohl

 

[epconti]

Tim,

I'd be interested in helping your work in any way. Before I decided to concentrate on computer science, I was a double-major with archaeology. I live in Central Mass, so I'd definitely be interested in what you're doing.

- Eric

 

[tfohl]

Tim,

I'd be interested in helping your work in any way. Before I decided to concentrate on computer science, I was a double-major with archaeology. I live in Central Mass, so I'd definitely be interested in what you're doing.

- Eric

Eric,

My activities have a long way to go before they qualify as WORK. Nonetheless, I would be interested in getting in touch. I live in Carlisle (the northern suburb of Concord) 978 369 5649. Where do you reside?

The archaeologists with whom I am working are based at U. Mass. Bridgewater (Prof. Curtiss Hoffman and students). The active program is an investigation of Indian ceremonial sites. It is being done in conjunction with representatives of the United Southern and Eastern Tribes (USET) which is comprised of all of the federally recognized tribes in this region.

According to Prof. Hoffman who has done extensive studies of prehistoric sites in Mass., ceremonial sites have not been studied much until recently. To my untrained eye they manifest themselves with various stone structures, many aligned with important astronomical azimuths such as the solstice sunrise and sunsets. More subtle observers could probably identify more sites.

The underwater factor is my own idea and not part of the present program. However, ceremonial sites are clearly associated with water in many cases, as are occupied sites. It occurred to me that the underwater areas might have signs and artifacts that have not been as disturbed and picked over as the dry land areas. In any case it will be fun to look around in warm weather. At least the tick problem will be reduced. As far as I know leaches don't carry any serious diseases.

Best,
Tim Fohl

 

[DivePartner1]

You might want to contact the Maritme Archaeological and Historical Society, P.O. Box 44382 L'Enfant Plaza, Washington DC 20026. Their newsletter is good reading, they have a certification and training process and are plugged into similar organizations.

Their most recent certification group surveyed the Copenhagen off Pompano Beach, and interesting wreck.

http://www.mahsnet.org

 

[mikswi]

Welcome!!~ Poke around, do a search- you will be suprised at the wealth of info available.

This board is THE authority when it comes to info and being able to ask/answer questions.

 

[tfohl]

Here's an update on underwater archaeology in New England rivers. The Mass.Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources was founded to regulate archaeological/treasure hunting activity in Mass. waters because of the big brouhaha over the Whidah wreck. They issue permits for general reconnaissance and more stringently for excavation. They also register "isolated" finds. The Director, Victor Mastone is quite helpful and is himself a diver. (Contact info: 617 626 1141, Victor.Mastone@state.ma.us)

There is relatively little activity in the rivers although the Board did some dives in the Blackstone River (not recommended) and are investigating some dugout canoes in Quabbin Reservoir. Two professionals people that I have spoken to, Dave Robinson, of the Public Archaeology Lab in Providence, RI and Kerry Lynch of Archaeoloical Services of Amherst, MA were helpful and encouraging. Most work is in marine environments.

My experiences so far have been in the Sudbury River, the Assabet River and Lake Quannapowit (sp?). They are all murky at this time of the year but you can see a few feet in the rivers. The only finds have been some 19th Century bottles. Since I am basically looking for Indian artifacts, the bottles don't excite me. However they did show that objects can stay put for a long time in the right location, in this case an area of large bottom rocks with deepish clefts. The Mass. Board want to register the site.

Best,
Tim Fohl

 

[murphdivers286]

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[Humba]

Welcome to the board. We have forums for every interest. Stay awhile and look around.

 

[mstudley]

This has to do with Rhode Island however you may want to check out RIMAP (Rhode Island Marine Archeology Project). Here's a link to their website (which appears to be down at the moment).