Underwater Archeologists discuss Captain Kidd shipwreck

Cannonballs, jars and rum bottles.\nThese artifacts were found at the site of the Captain Kidd shipwreck in the Dominican Republic and sat on display outside the Whittenberger Auditorium Tuesday night after the hour-long lecture, “Columbus and the Taino to Captain Kidd and the Golden Age of Piracy.”\nThose who found the treasure were there to talk about the ship and future plans.\nRobert Goodman, dean of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, kicked off the lecture at about 5 p.m. Goodman introduced Francis Soto, the technical director of the Dominican Republic’s Oficina Nacional De Patrimonio Cultural Subacuatico.\nCharles Beeker, director of underwater science programs at IU, was contacted to research the site after it was discovered by a local resident. Goodman said Soto and Beeker have worked together for 20 years. He also introduced Geoffrey Conrad, director of the Mathers Museum of World Cultures. \nDuring the lecture, Conrad discussed Columbus and the Taino, the first Native American people to encounter European culture. He used a visual presentation to highlight his work in La Isabela, the Spanish town in the Dominican Republic where the remains of Christopher Columbus’ home are located.\nConrad said he also hopes to locate six shipwrecks that were damaged by a hurricane in 1495. He said the goal is to preserve the sites and turn them into underwater parks. Conrad mentioned the importance of student participation in the on-site work.\n“None of this happens without our students,” Conrad said. \nConrad’s archeology experience spans a 42-year period. He said the Captain Kidd shipwreck produced a reaction in the public that he has never experienced. \nBeeker began his presentation on Captain Kidd and the golden age of piracy with clips from different news programs, such as CNN. The clips highlighted the discovery of the site in the Dominican Republic, and also featured Beeker’s work on location. \nBeeker said a group of students and faculty would travel to the Dominican Republic during spring break this March to assist with the work on the Captain Kidd shipwreck. Beeker said National Geographic filming would take place during this time. He said full research would begin in May or June. \nBeeker, who has been diving since he was 16 years old, said he finds the preservation of sites from shipwrecks satisfying.\n“I know they will be here another 100 years from now,” Beeker said. “I’m interested in protecting sites for future generations.” \nJessica Keller, a junior majoring in anthropology and underwater archeology, said she works with artifacts in the lab located in the HPER building. She said IU’s goal is to create underwater parks at sites.\n“When the IU team goes, we are about conservation and preservation,” Keller said. \nGoodman wrapped up the lecture with additional words on the involvement of IU in the Dominican Republic. He said experience working at on-site locations is an advantage for IU students.\n“We are here to serve the students,” Goodman said. “As a university that is landlocked, it is amazing what we are doing in archeology.”