Deep Dives Talk
October 7 , 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
History lies in the depths of Lake Champlain, waiting to share its secrets and stories. In 2026, we’re opening up our vaults and taking a DEEP DIVE into the past with Museum experts, archaeologists, historians, and educators in our free evening conversation series!
Join us every other Wednesday from June through October for a free “Deep Dives” talk. Each evening will include an expert presentation and time for questions and conversation at the end.
On October 7, Paul Willard Gates, Director of Archaeology, will share insight on the Valcour Bay Research Project collection.
Between 1999 through 2004, several field seasons were conducted by the Archaeology Department at the site of the Battle of Valcour Bay. Known as the Valcour Bay Research Project (VBRP), the work consisted of a Phase I underwater archaeological investigation of the submerged battlefield at Valcour Bay, in Lake Champlain. Throughout the 1999 to 2002 field seasons, the VBRP team professionally located, mapped, documented, and conserved recovered artifacts related to the Battle of Valcour Bay on October 11th, 1776.
This presentation will re-examine these artifacts in the context of naval warfare and the horrific experiences of people from both the American fleet and the British fleet. Examinations of these artifacts are interpreted through a lens that reveals a raw, visceral look of 18th century weapons and not a glorification of war. By interpreting these archaeological resources, we can piece together the lived experiences of people who were at the Battle of Valcour Bay. In doing so, we hope our audience can gain a better understanding of the importance of archaeology as a science and its use in interpreting the past.
Deep Dives is free to attend with registration. A complimentary drink from Shacksbury cider is included with your free registration.
