News Summary
Texas A&M University hosted its annual Shipwreck Weekend, where families engaged in maritime history through interactive activities. The event featured lectures, virtual reality experiences, and insights into the recovery of the historical ship La Belle. Attendees immersed themselves in underwater archaeology, learning about the meticulous processes involved in preserving significant artifacts, including the innovative freeze-drying of La Belle. This event not only provided entertainment but also connected families to Texas’s rich maritime heritage, showcasing the importance of historical preservation.
Families Dive into History at Texas A&M’s Shipwreck Weekend
College Station, Texas— This past Saturday, Texas A&M University transformed into a time machine as families visiting Aggieland for Family Weekend took a dive into the rich world of maritime history during the much-anticipated “Shipwreck Weekend”. Hosted by the university’s Nautical Archaeology Program, it was an engaging event that not only delighted visitors but also deepened their understanding of underwater archaeology and the exciting recovery of shipwrecks.
Discovering the Depths
The event kicked off at noon and ran until 4 p.m. at the university’s Anthropology building, where families streamed in with eager anticipation. Graduate student Kristen Crouse took the stage to enlighten guests on the various activities of the Nautical Archaeology Program. She shared insights on examining shipwrecks and retrieving ancient artifacts. Excitement buzzed in the air as families participated in hands-on activities that included virtual reality3D printing of models, knot-tying lessons, and digging for artifacts similar to what real archaeologists do!
Engaging Lectures and Enthusiastic Discussions
The fun didn’t stop there! A special guest lecture was given focusing on Great Lakes archaeology led by a maritime archaeologist from the Wisconsin Historical Society. This session was a hit among those curious about the shipwrecks that lie beneath the lakes and the historical tales they tell.
La Belle: A Historical Treasure
Among the many fascinating projects highlighted during the weekend was the significant recovery effort of the ship La Belle. This historic vessel sank in the Gulf of Mexico over 300 years ago and plays a critical role in Texas history. La Belle was built back in 1684 and tragically sank in 1687, leading to the collapse of La Salle’s colony and ultimately paving the way for Spanish occupation of Texas.
The recovery of La Belle isn’t just a tale of treasure hunting; it is a meticulous process managed by the Texas Historical Commission, with the recovery effort spearheaded by Jim Bruseth. Currently, the ship is being preserved inside a massive freeze-dryer located at the old Bryan Air Force base, which is a fascinating piece of technology! This process removes moisture from the ship’s timbers, helping to prevent deterioration—a crucial step in preserving this important artifact for years to come.
Innovation in Preservation
Preservation is key to the story of La Belle; the innovative freeze-drying process was chosen for its efficiency over older chemical methods, especially as costs for traditional preservation materials continue to rise. Successfully managing this method is vital in ensuring that once the wood is removed from the water, it doesn’t crack or deteriorate, preserving the ship’s integrity.
Looking to the Future
The upcoming reconstruction of La Belle will not only be a major achievement for the Nautical Archaeology Program but also serve as an educational centerpiece at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. This reconstruction stands to become a stunning reminder of how the past shapes the future, telling stories of determination, technological advancement in ship design, and the rich history of human exploration.
By diving into events like Shipwreck Weekend, families are not only having fun, but they also become part of a grander narrative that connects them to the maritime heritage of Texas and beyond. Let’s hope they continue to explore and engage with the wonders of history!
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News: Texas A&M’s Nautical Archaeology Program
- Wikipedia: Nautical Archaeology
- National Geographic: George Bass Obituary
- Google Search: George Bass Underwater Archaeology
- KBTX News: Shipwreck Weekend
- Google Scholar: Shipwreck Archaeology
- Lubbock Online: Shipwreck Preservation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shipwreck Reconstruction
- KAGS TV: Amico Nave Closure
- Google News: Amico Nave Closure 2024
