Educating Margaritaville: Maritime Heritage Outreach in the Florida Keys

Summary

The shipwrecks of the Florida Keys draw tens of thousands of divers each year to see the remains our maritime heritage in warm, clear water. A long history of treasure salvage at some of these historic shipwreck sites has caused misconceptions about the real treasure of these shipwrecks: their connection to Florida’s history and development. Many public education and interpretation initiatives target divers to provide accurate information about the shipwrecks’ histories and roles as vibrant artificial reefs. Organizations including the Florida Public Archaeology Network, Biscayne National Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research, university programs, and others collaborate to provide information and interpretation for Keys citizens and visitors. This paper describes these initiatives, including training programs for diving leadership, opportunities for recreational divers to volunteer on archaeological projects, public presentations, shipwreck interpretation, digital content, and museum exhibits.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2017   •
• South Florida Shipwreck Research and Advancing Frontiers

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 499