Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST)
Overview
The Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST) is a volunteer organization based in Ohio, dedicated to the study, preservation, and documentation of shipwrecks and other underwater cultural heritage in the Great Lakes. Formed in the early 2000s, MAST is one of the leading groups promoting citizen science and public education about underwater archaeology, with a primary focus on Lake Erie.
Mission and Goals
MAST’s mission is to:
1. Document and Preserve: Conduct surveys and create detailed maps and records of shipwrecks and underwater sites.
2. Promote Awareness: Educate the public about the historical significance of shipwrecks and advocate for the preservation of underwater cultural resources.
3. Train Divers: Provide training for recreational divers in underwater archaeology techniques, ensuring ethical exploration and documentation of submerged sites.
4. Collaborate: Work with organizations like the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the National Museum of the Great Lakes, and other research groups to share findings and expand knowledge of Great Lakes maritime history.
Activities and Projects
MAST is known for its active involvement in surveying and preserving Lake Erie’s underwater heritage:
1. Shipwreck Documentation
MAST uses underwater archaeology techniques to document shipwrecks, including:
• Creating detailed site maps of wrecks.
• Photographing and recording physical features of ship remains.
• Identifying vessels through archival research and artifacts.
2. Education and Training
MAST offers programs for recreational divers interested in maritime archaeology:
• Annual Training Workshop: Participants learn methods such as measuring, sketching, mapping, and documentation.
• Field Schools: Practical underwater training sessions held on actual shipwreck sites.
3. Mooring Buoy Program
To protect wreck sites from anchor damage, MAST installs and maintains mooring buoys at key locations, allowing divers to safely visit wrecks without harming them.
4. Public Outreach
MAST organizes public lectures, presentations, and educational materials to raise awareness about Great Lakes shipwrecks and the importance of preserving them.
5. Collaboration with the Ohio Underwater Preserve Program
MAST works within Ohio’s underwater preserve system, helping to protect and document historically significant sites, including wrecks in Cleveland, Sandusky, and Kelleys Island areas.
Notable Shipwreck Projects
MAST has participated in the study and documentation of many notable shipwrecks in Lake Erie, including:
1. Adventure (Cleveland Underwater Preserve)
• A schooner sunk in 1903 near Cleveland, extensively mapped by MAST divers.
2. Queen of the West
• A wooden steamer sunk in 1903 off Fairport Harbor, surveyed by MAST as part of their training programs.
3. Morning Star
• A two-masted schooner lost in 1868 near Lorain, Ohio, and revisited by MAST for site maintenance and documentation.
Membership and Volunteer Opportunities
MAST welcomes members from all backgrounds, including recreational divers, historians, and anyone passionate about maritime history.
• Membership Benefits:
• Training opportunities.
• Participation in shipwreck surveys.
• Access to workshops and exclusive events.
• Volunteer Roles:
• Assisting with mooring buoy installations.
• Participating in educational outreach.
• Helping with archival and historical research.
Contact and Resources
For more information about MAST and how to get involved:
• Website: MAST Official Website
• Facebook Page: Follow MAST for updates on events and discoveries.
• Partners: Collaborates with the National Museum of the Great Lakes (nmgl.org) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Conclusion
The Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST) is an invaluable resource for preserving and documenting Great Lakes maritime history. Through their dedication to research, education, and collaboration, MAST has contributed significantly to understanding and protecting shipwrecks in Lake Erie and beyond. Their efforts ensure that these underwater cultural treasures remain accessible and appreciated by future generations.