Boat Excavation
Excavation for a hotel along San Diego’s waterfront in 2014 uncovered a small wooden boat. It was overturned and lay on the former mud flat level, approximately 30 feet below today’s street level. The boat was intact, with no obvious hull damage, but because it was stripped of all deck hardware, identification of the boat’s function was inhibited. Research at the San Diego Historical Society, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle provided several possibilities for identifying the boat’s use, as well as a clearer picture of San Diego’s bayfront commercial development.
This presentation, by Douglas Mengers, historical archaeologist and GIS specialist with PanGIS of Carlsbad, will detail the excavation and research process of this unique maritime resource. The program is free and will be held outdoors. Bring your own seating. San Diego County Archaeological Society, 858-538-0935.