In the fall of 2004, a beach replenishment project pumped tons of sand onto Lewes Beach. What no one knew at the time was that this sand was peppered with artifacts from a previously unknown shipwreck. Since then, thousands of artifacts have been found by beachcombers and donated to the State of Delaware for study.
Searching for the source of these artifacts, an underwater archaeological investigation located the shipwreck site in 2005, while a second investigation in 2006 recovered a wide range of artifacts representing the ship’s cargo.
Historical data, archaeological evidence, and the geographic location of the shipwreck suggest that the vessel is a British merchant ship that ran aground near present-day Roosevelt Inlet in 1774.
The State of Delaware is grateful to all who assisted in the investigation of the shipwreck including archaeologists, historians, volunteers, and the many people who donated artifacts found on Lewes Beach.
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What should you do if you find artifacts on Lewes Beach?
Archaeologists now have a substantial number of artifacts to aid in researching and studying the shipwreck. Consequently, it is no longer necessary, or practical, for the state to receive additional donations of Lewes Beach artifacts. However, in order to gain as much information as possible, the state encourages beachcombers to bring their artifacts to the Zwaanendael Museum for identification and documentation.
While at the museum, visitors can also enjoy the exhibit “Rediscovery through Recovery” which showcases the shipwreck and its cargo. The museum is located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Delaware. If you have any questions, please contact the museum at (302) 645-1148.
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Related Topics: Exhibits, Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck