[Archived] Alexandria’s 18th Century Ship Wins Conservation Grant

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2018

The City of Alexandria has received a $4,000 grant toward conservation of the 18th century merchant ship excavated at the site of the new Hotel Indigo, after the ship won second place in the Virginia Association of Museums' Top 10 Endangered Artifacts Competition.  The ship earned more than 5,500 votes from the public during a weeklong competition.  Volunteers led by the Alexandria Archaeological Commission raised another $2,000 in donations to the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology, more than making up the difference between the first and second place prizes.

"Securing both the Virginia Association of Museums grant and these much-needed community donations would not have been possible without the dedication of the Alexandria community," said Acting City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen. "We are incredibly fortunate to have their support for this important conservation project."

The grant and donations will support ongoing efforts to save this compelling piece of Alexandria's rich maritime history. The ship is currently undergoing a multiyear documentation and conservation process at Texas A&M's Conservation and Research Laboratory before it returns home for display.

Photo Caption: Seth Tinkham (Alexandria Archaeological Commission), State Senator Adam Ebbin, Eleanor Breen (Acting City Archaeologist), Gretchen Bulova (Acting Director, Office of Historic Alexandria), and Ivy Whitlatch (Alexandria Archaeological Commission) accept the ship conservation award on behalf of the City, at a ceremony on February 21 at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond.