An upcoming event is recognizing the contributions of women in diving. To celebrate Women’s History Month, the History of Diving Museum and the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women welcome archaeologist Laurel Seaborn for a Zoom presentation on March 17 at 7 p.m. that highlights the influence of women in underwater archaeology.
Some of the women Seaborn will discuss helped discover and bring up King Henry VIII’s ship, the “Mary Rose,” ancient Mediterranean wrecks and more. Learn how these women paved the way for future archaeologists and people of all backgrounds to participate in this field of research, along with current studies of the women who lived and worked on ships through the ages.
Seaborn is a maritime archaeologist and a sailing ship captain with a master’s degree in underwater archaeology and maritime history from the Maritime Studies Program at East Carolina University. She has crewed and captained both modern and historic sailing ships, gaining first-hand knowledge of vessel types, construction and life at the sea.
She has worked on archaeological projects doing underwater excavations on such renowned ships such as Blackbeard’s “Queen Anne’s Revenge” and Captain Kidd’s “Cara Merchant.” Seaborn co-founded the nonprofit organization SEAMAHP (Seafaring Education and Maritime Archaeological Heritage Program), which focuses on experiential and place-based learning for those interested in hands-on training in maritime history and archaeology.
The History of Diving Museum would like to thank the March event sponsor in the Upper Keys BPW. Through sponsorship and collaboration, the museum and BPW have formed a partnership over the years. In January 2015, BPW donated funds to allow museum staff to better highlight the contributions of female diving pioneers in the museum’s permanent exhibits.
Women like Sylvia Earle, Zale Parry and Lotte Hass are now better represented, and the museum is grateful for the ability to inspire others with their stories. BPW has also hosted networking events at the museum, and members regularly participate in the museum’s special events.
The presentation will be live through a private Zoom meeting. If you are interested in joining, email Emily Kovacs, community outreach coordinator, at programs@divingmuseum.org or call the museum at 305-664-9737 to receive the Zoom Meeting number and password. Capacity will be limited, so you must register to reserve your spot. Put your green shirt on and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a virtual toast to Women’s History Month. The session will be recorded and posted on the HDM YouTube page.
