Citizen Science in Maritime Archaeology

Examples and strategies for partneringwith volunteers in maritime heritage research

     Thisvolume is the first to address the ways maritime archaeologists have engagedcitizen scientists, presenting examples of projects and organizations that haveinvolved volunteers in the important work of gathering and processing data.With a special focus on program development and sustainability, these practicalcase studies provide reference points for archaeologists looking to designtheir own citizen science projects.

     In these essays, contributors describe initiatives such as theDiver-Archaeological Reconnaissance Cooperative (DivARC), which involves combatveterans in meaningful research missions; Diving With a Purpose, which trains adultsand youth in documenting and preserving African slave trade shipwrecks; and classroomeducation that encourages high school students to develop an interest in thefield. Asvolunteers learn the scope, goals, and outcomes of their research, thesestudies show, they are empowered to become active participants—and truepartners—in scientific inquiry.

     Throughoutthe wide range of experiences represented here, the chapter authors discuss challengesthey encountered as well as ideas for optimizing future projects and strategiesfor welcoming diverse communities to this work. Arguing that these initiativeswill create space for public engagement in heritage research, management, andpreservation, Citizen Science inMaritime Archaeology serves as afoundation for discussion of this goal.

Contributors: Della A. Scott-Ireton | Jennifer E. Jones | Jason T.Raupp | Elizabeth A. Moore |

John D. Broadwater | DanielJ. Houlihan | Calvin H. Mires | Stephen D. Nagiewicz | Peter F. Straub | ShannonM. Chiarel | Steve Evert | Jaymes Swain | Ryan J. Bradley | Erik C. Denson |

Ayana Omilade Flewellen| Earnest Franklin | Kamau Sadiki | Jay V. Haigler | Laurel Seaborn |

Charles E. Wainwright | Victor T. Mastone | GustavMilne | Danielle Newman | Oliver Hutchinson | Lawrence M. Northall | AndyViduka | Austin L. Burkhard | Nicole R. Grinnan | Peta Knott | MarkBeattie-Edwards | Kimberly J. Wooten