LAMP

LAMP's Mission

The Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP) is dedicated to the investigation, interpretation, and better understanding of the maritime history and archaeology of St. Augustine, the "First Coast" region of Florida, and beyond. Through historical research and the scientific study of shipwrecks and other maritime archaeological sites, LAMP seeks to engage local and visiting communities while exploring the dynamic story of our nation's oldest port city. Humankind has always relied on water for the transportation of people, goods, and ideas, and the sea has provided sustenance and livelihoods for countless generations of maritime communities. With its defensible harbor, extensive network of inland waterways, and proximity to global shipping routes, St. Augustine (founded in 1565) was well-suited to become the first permanent European settlement in the present-day United States, and thus owes its very existence to the sea.

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LAMP 2009 Summer Field School

LAMP will be hosting its annual summer field school from June 8 to June 26, 2009. This comprehensive 3-week field practicum is open to graduate, undergraduate, and non-traditional students who wish to learn the basics of archaeological recording, underwater excavation, remote sensing survey, artifact collection & analysis, and laboratory procedures while working on one or more historic shipwreck sites offshore America's oldest port. Follow this link for more information and the online application form.

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Wreck of the Dredge Florida

The Florida was built in 1904 as a steam-powered dredge vessel tasked with maintaining the East Coast Canal (today known as the Intracoastal Waterway). It was known as the most technologically advanced vessel of its time. After a successful career of channel-dredging and snag removal, it sank offshore Crescent Beach south of St. Augustine on July 3, 1918, where it remained lost until discovered by LAMP archaeologists in 2002.

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British Ship Industry

Archaeologists recover a swivel gun from the 18th century wreck site. The Industry was bringing supplies to British St. Augustine when it was lost in 1764.

School Programs

High School students learn basic archaeology techniques.

Recent and Upcoming LAMP Events

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