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

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2018

The City of Alexandria has received a Maritime Heritage Preservation Grant of $97,117 from the National Park Service, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, for the conservation of the 18th century ship discovered by archaeologists in 2015 during the construction of Hotel Indigo on the City’s waterfront.

The matching grant will be used during the multiyear conservation of the ship’s fragile wooden timbers. Texas A&M University’s Conservation Research Laboratory at the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation is under contract with the City to complete the work.

This is the second ship conservation grant received this year by Alexandria Archaeology, a division of the City’s Office of Historic Alexandria. In February, the City received a $4,000 grant from the Virginia Association of Museums after the ship won second place in the Top 10 Endangered Artifacts Competition.

Since March 2018, archaeologists have discovered three additional 18th or possibly early 19th century ships in Alexandria, which were scuttled and used as part of early landmaking efforts.

“Archaeological work along the waterfront continues to enrich the maritime history of Alexandria,” said City Archaeologist Eleanor Breen. “The City is coordinating efforts to determine a long-term plan for the historic ships.”

To track the progress of conservation, visit Texas A&M University’s Alexandria Ship Project page. For the latest Alexandria ship-related news and events, visit alexandriava.gov/Archaeology.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.