Shipwrecks
Webinars

Learn more about shipwrecks through our webinar series where experts discuss maritime archeology, conservation of shipwreck sites, the USS Monitor, and much more.

Left to right: Cady Breslin, shark and fish swimming by a wreck, a turtle swimming by a wreck

Shipwreck Ecosystems – Ecology and Conservation

Ever wonder what happens to ships after they wreck? Join Cady Breslin, an educator with the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island to discuss how shipwrecks, over time, evolve into an oasis ecosystem. Learn about the harsh environment off the North Carolina coast known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, and discover how it affects the biodiversity found in these treacherous waters. Learn how the North Carolina Aquariums work with NOAA to conserve the native species utilizing these unique spaces.

left to right: Allyson Ropp, shipwrecks, map of hatteras island

Wrecked on Chicamacomico: A Look at the Shipwrecks of Wimble Shoals, North Carolina

Join Allyson Ropp, Maritime Archaeologist with the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, to learn about the ships that wrecked along the northern portion of Hatteras Island. Like many places on the North Carolina coast, there lies a set of submerged shoals, Wimble Shoals. These shoals have been agents of destruction in the area for centuries, playing a role in the wrecking of ships sailing the Atlantic shipping lanes. Many of the wrecking events led to harrowing rescues by passing ships or by the U.S. Life Saving Service units stationed along the island.

left to right: Captain Bobbie Scholley, two diver gearing up, people on deck looking out to sea, the uss monitor turrent rising out of the water

Submerged NC: The Art of USS Monitor

Witness the power and drama of USS Monitor's story, the iconic battle, its sinking, and its recovery as told through a selection of artworks from the collection of The Mariners' Museum and Park. The story of "the little ship that saved the nation"; is a powerful one that has captured the fascination of millions both during its short, revolutionary life and in its legendary rest after its sinking. Its multifaceted story is one of technology, innovation, people, power, loss, and discovery and is one that has inspired many artists in the 160 years since its launching.

Join Kyra Duffley, creator and host of The Mariners' Museum's monthly art series, Beyond the Frame, as we take an interpretive look at these paintings that bring history to life in a new way! We'll examine the stylistic choices the artists made in their works and how those work together to each tell a part of USS Monitor's story in its own unique and inspired way.

left to right: Kyra Duffley and artwork depicting the uss monitor

Submerged NC: Raising the USS Monitor Turret – The U.S. Navy's Role in MONITOR Expedition 2002

Join us for a snapshot of the overall Monitor story, telling the role that the U.S. Navy played in the salvage and recovery operations during MONITOR Expedition 2002. As told by CAPT Bobbie Scholley, the Navy's On Scene Commander for the operation, you will hear how the Navy partnered with NOAA and The Mariners' Museum to plan and execute a historic diving operation off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, 240 feet below the surface, to recover the unique revolving gun turret from the wreckage of USS Monitor.

Three images of working and diving

Maritime Archeology – Exploring and Discovering Shipwrecks

Join Shannon Ricles, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, to dive into maritime archeology. Explore its early beginnings, and learn about maritime archeology as a career.

Shipwreck

World War I – The Great War off North Carolina's Coast

Learn about the great debate on isolationism, and discover what life was like during the war. Discover how NOAA and partners work to preserve this significant piece of our nation's maritime heritage and explore beautiful underwater images.

Shipwreck off north carolian

Exploring North Carolina Shipwrecks

Dive beneath North Carolina waters with Joe Poe, a skilled diver and an exceptional photographer, who has been exploring North Carolina shipwrecks for more than 40 years.

A man in a suit

Conservation of USS Monitor. Past, Present, and Future

Will Hoffman, Director of conservation and Chief Conservator at The Mariners' Museum, will present an overview of the Monitor conservation effort to date, including the establishment of the USS Monitor Center and Batten Conservation Complex. During the lecture, he will also discuss the treatment of several high-profile objects, as well as outlining future conservation steps.

A woman looking at the camera

Science of Conservation

Join Kimberly Kenyon, senior conservator for the Queen Anne's Revenge Shipwreck Project, as she shares why conservation is so critical to archeology and learn about some of the processes involved.

A woman and an image of a scan

Oases for Marine Life - Shipwrecks in 3D

This presentation will highlight the role that shipwrecks play as oases for marine life and showcase advanced technologies, including echosounder surveys to create 3D visualizations of shipwrecks and the surrounding marine life.

A historic ironclad painting

USS Monitor – America's Most Historic Ironclad

Step back to 1862 to learn how the USS Monitor was key in saving the Union. Learn about the ship's inventor and its construction in just 98 days! Explore the role the ship played during and after the Battle of Hampton Roads, and discover how it sank.

Shipwreck bottom of the ocean

Hidden Beneath the Waves - Exploring North Carolina's Underwater Cultural Heritage

Learn how the discovery of the USS Monitor in 1973 and its designation as our nation's first national marine sanctuary brought NOAA and the Office of State Archeology together.

Three people

Living Shipwrecks 3-D: Exploring North Carolina's World War II Heritage

This presentation will highlight the advanced technologies that MNMS and NCCOS utilize, including acoustic surveys aboard the NOAA ship Nancy Foster, to document the shipwrecks and create acoustic fish visualizations of the surrounding marine life.

A man next to a shipwreck image

America’s First National Marine Sanctuary

Travel back in time to 1862 and learn about the USS Monitor, the Union’s first ironclad. Discover why it was built, the importance of the first battle between ironclads, and how Monitor met its demise.

A map of thunder bay

Great Ships on the Great Lakes

Discover how to integrate STEM and social studies as you explore the underwater world of shipwrecks and the tools of maritime archaeologists in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.