The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration invites the public to get that sinking feeling Feb. 2-10 at Shipwrecks!, a free exhibition about the fascinating world of shipwreck exploration and discovery. This special offering at NOAA’s Silver Spring, Md., headquarters will feature shipwreck artifacts, robot subs, talks by undersea explorers, and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Visitors will also be captivated by engaging exhibits about life aboard ship, navigation, safety at sea, and more.
What: Shipwrecks! exhibition
When: February 2-10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (including weekends)
Where: NOAA Silver Spring Campus
1301 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, Md. 20910
Located near the Silver Spring Metro Station. Public parking available.
Admission: Free
Public info: 301-713-3066, http://www.preserveamerica.noaa.gov
Shipwrecks! The NOAA Heritage Week Lecture Series
Please join us in the NOAA Science Center at 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md. for these free lectures. Most, but not all, lectures are at noon. All are sign language interpreted.
Shipwrecks on the Alaska Frontier: Kad’yak and Hassler
Friday, February 1 @ 12 noon
Frank Cantelas, NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration
John Jensen, Sea Education Association
Come back in time to the early days of the Alaska frontier and learn about Alaska’s oldest shipwreck and a Coast Survey steamer that had a second life as a Klondike gold rush passenger ship before it mysteriously exploded and sank.
The Hunt for the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy’s First Sub
Monday, February 4 @ 12 noon
Jim Christley, Submarine History Enthusiast and Marine Artist
Join the search for the green, 140-year old Alligator. Last known location: off the North Carolina coast. Learn the exciting history of this mysterious vessel and the effort to find it.
World War II Shipwrecks in the Deep Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
Tuesday, February 5 @ 12 noon
Robert Church, C&C Technology, Inc.
Dive into a recent effort by a diverse team of researchers to study the wrecks of six ships that were sunk by German U-boats in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico during World War II.
RMS Titanic: Exploring and Preserving a Maritime Icon
Wednesday, February 6 @ 12 noon
Craig McLean, Deputy Assistant Administrator, NOAA Research
Ole Varmer, NOAA Attorney-Advisor
Get a first-hand account of NOAA’s 20-plus year involvement in one of the most famous shipwrecks in history. This exciting talk will highlight the exploration and history of the vessel and the laws related to the wreck.
The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie: A Dive into a Slave Ship’s Past
Thursday, February 7 @ 10 a.m.
Michael H. Cottman, Senior Writer, BlackAmerica.com
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cottman as he describes his underwater odyssey to a sunken 17th century slave ship. Learn about the ship’s role in his ancestors’ history, their story, and the African-American scuba divers who helped explore the wreck. Presented in association with NOAA Chapter Blacks in Government.
Explorations of the Airship USS Macon
The Last Flying Aircraft Carrier
Friday, February 8 @ 12 noon
Chris Grech, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Bruce Terrell, NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program
Go deep off the California coast with researchers as they explore the wreck of one the largest flying objects ever built.
Click here for the Web companion to the exhibition, featuring links to a wide variety of NOAA resources about shipwrecks, navigation, marine forecasting, educational materials, and more.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the Shipwrecks! exhibit.
