Community Archaeology in the 21st Century: New Partnerships in Battle of the Atlantic Research

The naval campaigns waged in the Atlantic during 1914-18 and 1939-45 comprise two of the largest, longest, and most complex naval battles in history, resulting in nearly 100 vessel losses. Professional archaeologists and avocational divers are collaborating to research and document these shipwreck remains off the North Carolina coast. During the 2013 field season, the Battle of the Atlantic Research and Expedition Group led by William Chadwell supported NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries archaeologists in researching the events surrounding U-402’s sinking of Soviet tanker Ashkhabad, including preparing a detailed drawing of the tanker’’s wreck site. Simultaneously, a group of avocational and professional archaeologists led by William McDermott of the Outer Banks Dive Center recorded the remains of United States Coast Guard Cutter Jackson. This symposium will present the results of each of these expeditions, highlighting the numerous benefits of professional and avocational partnerships, with emphasis on how each project demonstrates the important role that recreational divers fill in creating a sense of community stewardship of North Carolina’s underwater cultural heritage.