Archaeological Research

LAMP diver recording the hull remains of a 19th century shipwreck in 90 feet of water off the coast of Ireland.

Meaningful archaeological research has always been the foundation of LAMP's mission. Since 1999, LAMP archaeologists have been conducting field operations in the offshore and inland waters and along the coastlines of St. Augustine, the surrounding First Coast region of Florida, and as far away as Europe. Fieldwork usually consists of 1) survey or the search for undiscovered archaeological sites, 2) investigation, documentation, and excavation to better understand these sites, and 3) regular monitoring to help protect and preserve these sites, and to gain insight into how they are affected by natural and human-induced activities such as hurricanes and beach replenishment dredging.

Archaeology is the closest thing we have to a time machine. When carefully excavated and studied by trained archaeologists, shipwrecks become time capsules that can provide a wealth of information on the lives of the people who sailed on them and a broader understanding of trade patterns and socioeconomic activities on a local, regional, and global scale. LAMP has documented and analyzed the remains of a number of ships dating to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and they have added considerably to our knowledge of the development of America's oldest port and its place in a constantly evolving global economy. Maritime archaeology is not limited to shipwrecks, however, and LAMP archaeologists have also investigated a wide range of sites including anchorages, ballast dump sites, historic boatyards, colonial wharves, locally-built vernacular boats, coastal fortifications, river waterfronts associated with British plantations, ferry and steamboat landings, and historic navigational aids such as the Lighthouse itself.

LAMP volunteers recording the remains of a beached wreck at New Smyrna Beach.

Please explore the links below to learn more about LAMP's ongoing program of archaeological research:

• Brief history of LAMP's archaeological research in St. Augustine




• Major Research Projects and Regional Surveys

• First Coast Maritime Archaeology Project
• Achill Island Maritime Archaeological Survey




• Shipwreck Projects

• Excavation of the British sloop Industry, lost in 1764 while trying to enter St. Augustine harbor
 
• "The Steamship Wreck," an unidentified propeller-driven steamship lost sometime in the second half of the 19th century offshore the St. Augustine Lighthouse
 
• The Wreck of the Dredge Vessel Florida
• The Shipwreck, Discovery, and Investigation of the SS Commodore

Archaeologists excavating in shallow waters with a suction dredge.

Excavating the site of the original 18th century lighthouse.

[ Explore || Visit || Shop || Donate || LAMP || About Us || Blog ]

Copyright © 2004-2010 by the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum || Privacy Policy || Site Map

Web Site Design by Atlas Design Solutions of St. Augustine FL.