Young Archaeologists Dive In!
The Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology are at the forefront of maritime archaeology education and constantly seek to expand their educational opportunities. We have been constantly asked by young people we meet in the course of our work if they can come and explore the underwater world with us. The answer had always been one day . . . until now thanks to this Heritage Lottery Funded project!
Eight lucky and brave 12 to 17 year olds spent May 2008 exploring their sunken history as they dived into the cold Solent sea to explore ancient shipwrecks with maritime archaeologists from the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (HWTMA).
As well as diving on shipwrecks including the Pomone, War Knight and Joannis Millis, the young pioneers also investigated the foreshore for WWII archaeology, and tried their hand at rowing a reproduction of an ancient coracle. With their new-found skills the group measured, drew, photographed and recorded the archaeology in exactly the same way as professional maritime archaeologists.
No other project of this kind has ever taken place before with such young archaeologists. HWTMA Education Officer, Alison Hamer says that she is "extremely proud of the children's determination and is impressed with how the challenge brought out their best qualities".
HWTMA hope to find funding to repeat this life-changing pilot project for more children. To find out more visit the website designed by the young people at, www.divein2008.co.uk
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