Sail away to shipwreck weekend
For 28 years, the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA), in partnership with the Nautical Archaeology Program from Texas A&M University, has opened its doors to the Bryan-College Station community for Shipwreck Weekend to introduce the public to nautical archaeology and showcase their important research.
By: Haley Venglar ’19
For 28 years, the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA), in partnership with the Nautical Archaeology Program from Texas A&M University, has opened its doors to the Bryan-College Station community for Shipwreck Weekend to introduce the public to nautical archaeology and showcase their important research.
“We really want to engage with the public and get them just as excited about the history and preservation of maritime history as we are,” said Annaliese Dempsey, captain of Shipwreck Weekend. “Hopefully, we can also inspire and encourage future nautical archaeologists as well.”
This year’s theme is Blackbeard and his flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge (QAR). Interestingly, this year marks the 300th year anniversary of the sinking of the ship. Attendants will see a presentation from Kimberly Kenyon, conservator and field director with the Queen Anne’s Revenge Project, about the history of Blackbeard and the sinking, discovery, excavation, and conservation of the QAR.
Shipwreck Weekend is open to the public and all ages are invited to immerse themselves in the treasures that the Nautical Archaeology Program has to offer. Activities include the brail sail replica, kids activities, face-painting, tin foil boats, a sand excavation, scuba gear to try on, and an underwater handwriting station. Additionally, all of the Nautical Archaeology Program labs will be open and manned by students that will be able to answer any questions about the research that is conducted in the labs.