Hello fellow Connecticut history enthusiasts!
We would like to provide an archaeological perspective on this issue. While we are certainly sensitive to the high cost of archaeological work, especially in regards to underwater resources, we hesitate to condone the commodification of the past.
The Society for American Archaeology’s Principles of Archaeological Ethics<http://www.saa.org/AbouttheSociety/PrinciplesofArchaeologicalEthics/tabid/203/Default.aspx> addresses the commercialization of artifacts. Principle No. 3 is focused on illicit excavation and sale of artifacts for personal profit. The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage<http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/underwater-cultural-heritage/2001-convention/> laid out the importance of protecting underwater resources and condemned the commercial exploitation of underwater sites. While the proposal below does not appear to fall under the “trade or speculation” category, the sale of historical artifacts can be a gray ethical arena. Giving monetary value to artifacts, even those recovered from archaeological excavations, sets a market rate for objects whether they are acquired legitimately or illicitly.
Outside of the archaeological realm, the Berkshire Museum<https://berkshiremuseum.org/> has been in the news lately for their plans to sell 40 works of art<http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2017/12/can_berkshire_museum_sell_its_art_to_stay_in_business_1.html> to raise funds that support its changing mission. Both the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Art Museum Directors have condemned this sale of art that is “held in the public trust and must not be treated as a disposable financial asset<https://www.aamd.org/for-the-media/press-release/statement-on-the-berkshire-museum-proposal-to-deaccession-works-of-art>.” The sale of art and historical objects into private collections potentially eliminates access for future historians and archaeologists to conduct research. It’s important to weigh the long-term impacts of how we collect and curate our nation’s history and ensure good stewardship of the past.
We are happy to discuss this further and answer any questions the historical community may have.
Mandy Ranslow (Department of Transportation Archaeologist) & Catherine Labadia (State Historic Preservation Office Archaeologist)
Mandy Ranslow
Archaeologist
Office of Environmental Planning
Connecticut Department of Transportation
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06131
Office: 860-594-2929
Mobile: 203-768-0361
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From: CTHISTORY-L: A Discussion Board for Connecticut History <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Warshauer, Matthew (History) <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2017 3:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: The Wreck of The Revenge: Finding Social Value in Historic Artifacts
This is fascinating. Let us, however, begin with the history. Perry may have changed the course of the War of 1812, there is argument to be had there, but he certainly didn’t change the course of the Revolution. Surely a typo.
As for the question of private sale, you will certainly find buyers. A few years ago a private collector approached Middletown, CT and offered a substantial sum (I don’t remember the exact amount, but a quick newspaper search will reveal the number) to purchase 4 Civil War era cannons that surround one of the town’s monuments. As the War of 1812 cannons and artifacts are far more rare than the Civil War ones, I imagine that a fairly substantial sum can be raised.
Or, they would look great in my front yard if donated. Happy to create a tex exempt org to make that happen!!
Matthew Warshauer, Ph.D.
Professor of History – Central Connecticut State University
860-832-2803
http://www.ccsu.edu/civilwar
From: CTHISTORY-L: A Discussion Board for Connecticut History [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Thomas Mitchell
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2017 5:03 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: The Wreck of The Revenge: Finding Social Value in Historic Artifacts
I have the pleasure of working with the US Navy History and Heritage Command, Charlie Buffum and Craig Harger, on the salvage of the USS Revenge, a 14-gun schooner wrecked in January 1811 on Watch Hill Reef under the command of Oliver Hazard Perry. The first cannon was brought up this past May 2017; NHHC has secured budget to continue raising the remaining five cannon, anchor and perhaps stamped ballast bars, beginning Spring 2018.
The lone salvaged cannon is presently undergoing conservation procedures at the NHHC lab in Washington, and if all goes well will soon be joined by three more plus two carronades, and whatever other artifacts can be recovered. During last spring's salvage, informal conversations with NHHC staff led Mr. Buffum to postulate an interesting discussion that I am hoping you all could weigh in on here at CTHISTORY-L. It's an interesting situation, and a potentially beneficial precedent. Anything you can contribute, recommend or direct us to is immensely appreciated!
Synopsis:
Wrecks of US Navy ships remain property of the US Navy and are subject to applicable maritime salvage law. Salvage of USS Revenge began after six years of negotiation and planning with the Navy. The wreck is historically significant: Subsequent to its occurence and after narrowly avoiding court martial, Capt. Perry was sent to the Great Lakes, where in 1813 his decisive victory against the British in the Battle of Lake Erie arguably changed the course of the Revolutionary War.
While USS Revenge's cannons are significant, the artifacts themselves could end up in a post-restoration limbo. Neither the NHHC nor the Navy's many other branches need more old weaponry to decorate their facilities. The six cannon could be donated to a civilian museum, eventually, but Mr. Buffum had a more intriguing idea...
Suppose the Navy could see fit to put the cannon up for public auction, proceeds from which would directly benefit NPO's in the general Watch Hill — Stonington area? Certainly a lot of details to consider, but conceptually there is merit to the idea. We would anticipate two years or more with the Navy's legal and PR people. In the meantime, we are looking forward to discussion on the subject. Thank you!
USS REVENGE / WIKIPEDIA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Revenge_(1806)<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FUSS_Revenge_(1806)&data=01%7C01%7CWarshauerM%40ccsu.edu%7Cd39cfa531f644a78684608d540cdf8ca%7C2329c570b5804223803b427d800e81b6%7C0&sdata=IFeVCWcHYun%2F5qp%2B%2FFfLrJxTSHT8%2B5E10s%2FpdKHsbgc%3D&reserved=0>
OLIVER HAZARD PERRY / WIKIPEDIA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Hazard_Perry<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FOliver_Hazard_Perry&data=01%7C01%7CWarshauerM%40ccsu.edu%7Cd39cfa531f644a78684608d540cdf8ca%7C2329c570b5804223803b427d800e81b6%7C0&sdata=Xv2eqYFmlCPiOo6l6PLO7nVDOn3mdRhtWi7oxCLonM4%3D&reserved=0>
NHHC CONSERVATION REPORT http://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/08/02/conservators-in-action-uncovering-secrets-of-the-suspected-revenge-cannon/<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fusnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil%2F2017%2F08%2F02%2Fconservators-in-action-uncovering-secrets-of-the-suspected-revenge-cannon%2F&data=01%7C01%7CWarshauerM%40ccsu.edu%7Cd39cfa531f644a78684608d540cdf8ca%7C2329c570b5804223803b427d800e81b6%7C0&sdata=de62yrRHH%2FCXEOR8Dnc6uaBXPeYEbVDM5nlycYZbHmU%3D&reserved=0>
TRIAL VIDEO TRAILER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeVoXbmGEDo<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DUeVoXbmGEDo&data=01%7C01%7CWarshauerM%40ccsu.edu%7Cd39cfa531f644a78684608d540cdf8ca%7C2329c570b5804223803b427d800e81b6%7C0&sdata=dm8IWvglygiXWyoZT24mo0uRvdNigu1SvTKRBfwQUes%3D&reserved=0>
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