I think it important to emphasize the four thousand five hundred items that were recovered. I call this our "core sample".
Once Maple Leaf shipwreck was pin-pointed, we wanted to "proof" the site. This is commonly called "Ground Truthing" in archaeologist's terms. At first, State Archaeologists suggested we do a core sample by drilling a hole directly through the site ~ two inches. It would be relatively simple, and cost effective. The sample recovered would prove era, content, and conservation requirements. Now, as I prepared to set this up, I asked myself, "Aren't you sure, absolutely sure, this is Maple Leaf? Didn't you tell me you were absoloutely positive, I mean ~ POSITIVE, that the cargo would be preserved?" I did say say those things. "Then why would you want to destroy even one item by drilling a two inch hole through it, DA? What if it goes through a pigeon hole desk, DA?" I changed my mind.
We produced a ten foot diameter by ten foot deep core sample from with in the hull. It is a conservative estimate to say that sample is 0.1% of her total cargo. All has been treated and conserved and is currently stored in Tallahasee, Florida. It is an enormous collection. Imagine if I were to ask you to show me your collection of four thousand five hundred ACW items. Where would it be? How would you begin? Well, they can! You are invited to meet there and I'll show them to you. Seriously!
Kindest Regards
Keith