The Evolution and Role of Avocationals in Underwater Archaeology

Summary

Underwater Archaeology started soon after scuba diving began in the early 1950s. For about the next 20 years, divers began to discover, document and analyze shipwrecks. In the early 1970s, those divers began to form groups to work on larger projects and to learn about archaeology. At about the same time, archaeolgy at universities began to offer courses and the discipline of underwater archaeolgy took root. Some of the avocational groups such as the Nautical Archaelogy Society and the Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia have flourished. In other jurisdictions, the prevailing archaeological and diving communities remained 2 solitudes and avocational organizations did not develop or prosper. The paper will review the history of avocationals in underwater archaeology; the role, mission, membership base, size, and projects of the major avocational organizations around the world; and analyze the conditions, culture, and legislation under which an avocational organization will evolve and prosper.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2015   •
• Engaging the Public: Involving People Underwater, On Land, and Online in Maritime Archaeology

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 404