The study of our maritime heritage combines several disciplines including history, cultural studies and archaeology. Submerged archaeological resources (i.e., shipwrecks) preserve much of the material culture of the past that can give us a deeper understanding of past human experience. We believe that many African Americans will be fascinated by aspects of African American maritime history, even those of such dire results as the African slave trade.

However, the slave trade is not the only subject related to the African American maritime experience. African Americans were involved in virtually every aspect of antebellum maritime commerce from laborers, to sailors to vessel ownership. The Underground Railroad also made use of ships to spirit slaves to freedom in the North and in Canada. Following the Civil War, African Americans sought economic freedom and freedom from repression as crew and stewards in the coastal packet and passenger trades. Thus far, there has been insufficient study or discovery of the material record of these endeavors.

The NMSP’s Maritime Heritage Program (MHP) has expertise in research, exploration, discovery and stewardship of archaeological remnants of maritime culture. We would like to collaborate with others having expertise in the African American maritime experience to determine the most appropriate submerged maritime heritage subject for which to design a search. Once the appropriate maritime heritage subject has been decided upon the NMSP and partners would use their resources and skills to create an experience that can bring all Americans, including those of African heritage, a better understanding of the African American maritime experience and ultimately of marine resources.

Although the search for the target submerged heritage subject would be limited in geographic scope, the NMSP can use its resources and sanctuaries as classrooms to allow the public to share in and learn from the adventure and to inform them of other sanctuary resources in their own communities. Once an appropriate target has been chosen, additional partners can be drawn from museums and academic institutions to work with NOAA to create educational and outreach products which allow students and the public to share in technical aspects of the search, discovery and interpretation of the material remains of the vessel, if found.