Lake Minnetonka Nautical Archaeology 2

MHM short and intermediate term goals for this project were exceeded in every measurable way. MHM's primary goal for the Lake Minnetonka Nautical Archaeology 2 (LMNA-2) Project, a Phase 1 archaeological reconnaissance surveyer, was to examine specific wrecks and anomalies recognized through a sonar survey and determine their significance as submerged cultural resources. Of the 24 anomalies investigated, 11 were cultural resources and 13 were not. Of these, 1 wreck was understood to be a wreck but her identity as a capsized pontoon boat was confirmed, 9 new wrecks were confirmed, 4 wrecks were designated as archaeological sites-including 1 wreck discovered in MHM's LMNA-1 Project earlier in 2013-and 2 maritime cultural resources were identified. Of these two resources, 1 of them was designated as an archaeological site. All the resources were rudimentarily documented for future study and where appropriate, for possible designations as nautical archaeological sites in the future. One significant outcome is the ability to keep re-prioritizing the remaining nearly 100 anomalies left to investigate on the bottom of Lake Minnetonka. Based on the negative results produced from diving on Anomalies 3, 102, and 103 during the LMNA-1 Project, and Anomalies 10 and 58 during this project specifically, MHM now has new short, intermediate, and long-term priorities for future diving in the lake. This knowledge also extends to anomalies located in Lake Waconia and White Bear Lake. The goal of educating volunteer divers on proper search techniques was exceeded-the amount of data collected during the diving, the great attitudes of MHM's volunteers about the sites investigated, and the eagerness to investigate more anomalies to learn about them is very rewarding. MHM's attempts to educate the general public through social and professional media have also met with great success. In Minnesota, MHM sought the input of an online historic Crestliner boat forum in an attempt to determine the make of a wreck. In doing so, the forum members learned about the importance of keeping submerged cultural resources unspoiled and about the impressive maritime history of Minnesota that MHM in continually uncovering. MHM also went national to consult with a large group of wooden boat restorers and enthusiasts on the Century Boat Club forum with great results; 1 wreck's make and model was determined and the group steered MHM in the correct direction on another wreck. Both of those wrecks are now recognized numbered archaeological sites with the Office of the State Archaeologist. MHM exceeded expectations and produced great results from this project due to sound fieldwork planning, the solid methodology employed during the fieldwork, the previous systematic methodology employed during the remote sensing surveys that provided good data, and knowledge gained from the LMNA-1 Project. Additionally, MHM's vetting of volunteer divers - choosing only ethical people instead of the other 20 divers who express interest in diving for the wrong (treasure hunting) reasons, led to a great fieldwork environment. Basically, MHM did sound nautical and maritime archaeology, and strong maritime historical research that produced trustworthy data for analysis and future use. MHM's information about the sites located and documented has not always been met with favor by a small minority of the local recreational diving community. In the past they have expressed hostility toward MHM's efforts at site documentation and conservation; it was our hope that this group has begun to recognize the importance of site integrity and preservation. Throughout the LMNA-2 Project, MHM has not received one negative comment on social media or on an often monitored online SCUBA forum. MHM considers this progress, but the attitudes towards site conservation may not have changed; the looters might just be keeping quiet about their activities and opinions. It is an on-going issue. Through the free and easily accessible LMNA-2 Project report-dowloadable from the Internet Archive through various sources, including MHM's web site and Facebook page-it is hoped the divers prone to looting will read the report and recognize the need for preservation and documentation, not illegal destruction. Lastly, MHM was pleased to learn through a volunteer that Minnesota Historical Society Director Steve Elliott referenced MHM and its work as a leader in Nautical Archaeology in Minnesota during his keynote address at the 2013 Gales of November Conference in Duluth. This recognition is meaningful to MHM, and is an indicator that our continued research into Minnesota's maritime history is significant and must continue.