Where this organization started...

This organization was inspired from the following meeting where I met some giants but got inspired to try and help in this cause...

FRIENDS OF VIRGINIA UNDERWATER

ARCHAEOLOGY

*****

MEETING OF SUPPORT

NOVEMBER 19, 2008

1:00 pm

NOAA

Maritime Archaeology Center

100 Museum Drive

Newport News, Virginia 23606

The Commonwealth of Virginia has been without an Underwater Archaeologist for more than 20 years. In that time, while a number of projects have been carried out through various means, no comprehensive plans have been implemented with regard to submerged resources. The resources remain although in lower numbers due to loss to development, erosion, looting, etc. And, obviously these remains are among the most important for scientific research, interpretation, and public education in the Commonwealth, if not the nation. One has only to look at the sunken Revolutionary War period fleet at Yorktown, the Civil War ships and weaponry at City Point, Hopewell, or the Paleoindian artifacts recently discovered 20 miles east of Cape Charles in 280’ of water to realize the significance of Virginia’s underwater sites.



If the assumption is adopted that these resources remain of high significance to our understanding of the past, how can we begin to deal with the challenges? Being a poor, lowly, terrestrial prehistoric archaeologist, I turned to expert help and met with Dr. John Broadwater, Chief Archaeologist for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. John was enthusiastic about the possibility of Virginia once again developing an underwater program. Although not without ideas, we decided that the best way to proceed was to arrange for an aggregation of individuals with an interest in preserving submerged resources. A list of names was developed and it is our hope that you can attend the inaugural meeting of what we hope will become The Friends of Virginia Underwater Archaeology. In addition, it is our hope that you will send us agenda items for discussion. We are looking for both large and small ideas, partners, advice, and pathways for the protection of these important resources.



The List: David Alberg Steve Bilicki Lyle Browning Ron Grayson

Dave Hazzard Stephanie Jacobe Mike Johnson Joe Jones

Kathleen Kilpatrick Roger Kirchen David Krop Susan Langley

Richard Lawrence Jason Lunze Randy Turner Gordon Watts

Joanna Wilson



Please RSVP to Mike Barber, State Archaeologist and/or John Broadwater, Chief Archaeologist

Department of Historic Resources NOAA – National Maritime Sanctuaries

2801 Kensington Ave 100 Museum Drive

Richmond, VA 23221 Newport News, VA 23606