Mallows Bay, NC – The Ghost Fleet and Beyond

Presenter(s): Dr. Susan Langley, State Underwater Archaeologist, Maryland

Sponsor(s): NOAA, ONMS, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, and the NC Office of State Archaeology

Seminar Contact(s): Shannon.Ricles@noaa.gov

Location: Webinar

Remote Access: Register
at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5358878272263447646this link opens in a new window

Abstract: At Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, the synergy of history and nature provide a truly unique experience with something for everyone. Join Susan Langley, Maryland’s State Underwater Archaeologist, to learn about the maritime cultural heritage of Mallows Bay. Hear about the history of this half-mile wide embayment that is crowded with diverse heritage resources. Dive deep into understanding that although the World War I wooden steam ship fleet forms the nexus, there are many other facets to the jewel that is the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary.

The sanctuary not only protects and interprets the remnants of more than 100 World War I ships, referred to as the Ghost Fleet, it is also a place where the synergy of thousands of years of history and nature come together and provide a truly unique experience for all who visit. Co-managed by the state of Maryland and Charles County, Maryland, the resources of Mallows Bay-Potomac River are easily accessed by shore and water, and offer a living laboratory for people of all ages to learn about its history, heritage, and connected ecosystem.

Bio(s): For nearly 30 years, Susan Langley has directed the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program and serves as both the State Underwater Archaeologist and Dive Safety Officer. In this capacity, she also works with the Area Contingency Planning Committee organized by the U.S. Coast Guard to address oil and hazmat spills that may directly or indirectly impact submerged historic resources. She serves on the Advisory Council for Underwater Archaeology, chairs the Government Maritime Managers Meetings, and sits on UNESCO, Government Affairs, and the Heritage at Risk (climate change)Committees of the Society for Historical Archaeology. She is a founding member of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills and is currently its Vice-President and Newsletter Editor.Susan has taught at numerous public and private colleges and universities, and as an Adjunct Professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, she instructed an introduction to underwater archaeology, the anthropology of pirates and piracy, as well as a fiber, textiles, and trade course. Dr. Langley taught maritime archaeology in Thailand for several years for UNESCO. She is a Master SCUBA diver instructor, Emergency First Responder Instructor, and lectures and leads expeditions for Abercrombie & Kent. As a beekeeper, she kept a hive at the Government House for 10 years, through two Governors.

Recordings: The talk will be recorded; once captioned it will be hosted on the archived webpage: https://monitor.noaa.gov/gallery/webinar-archive.html.