FOR RELEASE: December 20, 2006

 

For More Information:

Michael Stevens, State Historic Preservation Officer,
Wisconsin Historical Society, (608) 264-6464
Keith Meverden, Underwater Archaeologist, Wisconsin Historical Society, (608) 221-5909
Stephen Wittman, Communications Director, Wisconsin Sea Grant, (608) 263-5371

 

 

Wisconsin Sea Grant Receives Historic Preservation Award

MADISON, Wis. (12/20/2006) -- The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute has been awarded the 2006 Historic Preservation Award from the Wisconsin Historical Society.

That support has helped make possible dozens of dozens of archaeological surveys of shipwrecks and public outreach efforts since 1988, according to Historical Society Underwater Archaeologist Keith Meverden.

In presenting the award, State Historic Preservation Officer Michael Stevens cited Sea Grant’s “unwavering material and financial support for the preservation of Wisconsin’s rich maritime heritage.”

The archaeological surveys have lead to 25 shipwrecks being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, more than any other state, Meverden said. Sea Grant and Historical Society staff have made many of the archaeological findings accessible to the public at its Web site, “Wisconsin’s Great Lakes Shipwrecks” (www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

The work has also contributed to Wisconsin’s Maritime Trails (www.maritimetrails.org), which highlight lighthouses, shipwrecks, maritime museums, and other testaments to the state’s rich maritime heritage, Meverden added.

A six-member panel of judges representing the Historical Society and other preservation professionals selected UW Sea Grant Institute for the award, citing its role in changing recreational divers' viewpoint on the removal of artifacts from shipwreck sites.

Wisconsin Sea Grant Assistant Director Mary Lou Reeb accepted the award on behalf of the institute on Dec. 18.

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Conceived in 1966, Sea Grant is a national network of 30 university-based programs of research, outreach, and education for enhancing the practical use and conservation of coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources to create a sustainable economy and environment. The National Sea Grant Network is a partnership of participating coastal states, private industry, and the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

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last updated 20 December 2006 TD

http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/communications/news_releases/2006/PreservationAward2006.html