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discovery of a cannon preceded the formation of the Valcour Bay Research
Project (VBRP). Out of concerns for its protection and preservation, I
sought assistance from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s Maritime
Research Institute. It's director, Arthur B. Cohn, immediately advised
New York State officials of the discovery and assisted me in obtaining an
archeological permit.
The VBRP formed initially as an
archeological survey, an organized method of locating and identifying the
battle’s remaining artifacts. Measures to protect these artifacts have
also been incorporated into the project’s design. As a result, the survey
is conducted primarily through the support and cooperation of local
volunteer divers. It is hoped that a stewardship ethic will develop as a
result of their participation. The divers are introduced to an emerging
management science - Submerged Cultural Resource Management. They learn
that the artifacts are a resource from which we can learn much about our
cultural and historical heritage. This management approach works to
maximize the potential of a limited resource and the divers actively
participate in this process.
LCMM Maritime Research Institute
divers and researchers continue to provide technical assistance and
support. The VBRP has developed into a unique collaboration of sport and
professional divers, conservators, historians, enthusiasts and officials.
The group is intent on thoroughly surveying and preserving what remains in
Valcour Bay. VBRP members are hopeful that the survey’s successes will
promote further regional cooperation in the management of Lake Champlain’s
cultural resources.
VBRP/LCMM Dive Operations 2001
Left to right, front row: Matt Booth, Ed Scollon, Adam
Kane, Pierre LaRocque. Back row: Steve Nye, Todd Bissonette, Art Cohn,
Bill Atkinson, Rob Wilczynski. Participants not shown: Jerry Forkey,
Dan Carpenter, Dan Rock, Bill Leege, Tony Tyrell & Doug Jones.
Photo by Jerry Forkey |
