A Meeting of the Minds!
All those who were able to make the trip to College Station for the 2011 Annual Board of Directors’ Meeting (November 03-05) were treated to superb weather, fabulous meals, and great discussions with numerous opportunities to visit with old friends and make new ones. Indeed, we were delighted to welcome five of our six new Directors and Associate Directors and their spouses who joined us for an event-filled weekend.
At the annual banquet dinner, Dr. Alain Touwaide, a science historian in the botany department at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and Scientific Director of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions, delivered a fascinating lecture about plant remains on ancient shipwrecks, including the results of DNA analysis of medicinal tablets (or are they pills?) from Antiquity; and INA Founder Dr. George Bass gave us all the opportunity to reflect on the tremendous life and legacy of his friend and fellow pioneer, the late Claude Duthuit. George’s illustrated tribute featured numerous photos of Claude and Barbara, whose attendance we so deeply appreciated.
On Friday, following the general Board Meeting and luncheon, guests attended eight illustrated presentations about ongoing and future INA-sponsored excavation, research, and conservation projects in Turkey, Bermuda, Yukon, Spain, Italy, and Croatia, including Jeff Royal’s presentation on the fascinating results of RPM Nautical’s recent discovery of a Punic War battlefield off the coast of Sicily. That evening the conversations were lively and laughter-filled during a fabulous dinner at the Republic Steakhouse.
The Saturday schedule featured an Open House Tour of the laboratories, ship model shop, and classrooms of the Nautical Archaeology Program (NAP) on the Texas A&M University campus. NAP students engaged INA board members in discussions around posters featuring their own ongoing research projects in Brazil, the Caribbean, Crimea, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. A field trip to the Conservation Research Laboratory allowed participants to see many fascinating artifacts, including the hull of La Belle currently undergoing conservation treatment, and to appreciate the work being done at this facility under the direction of Dr. Donny Hamilton.
Our thanks to all who made the trip to College Station to attend!
INA President, Dr. Deborah Carlson and Guest Speaker Dr. Alain Touwaide.
Dr. George Bass and Barbara Duthuit. photo: John Littlefield. Nov. 2011.
A student explains the method by which concreted masses are x-rayed for evidence of artifacts or remaining shapes of artifacts hidden within. photo: Po Wan. Nov 2011.
INA Directors and guests take in samples of the work in progress displayed and explained by students of the Conservation Research Laboratory. photo: John Littlefield. Nov. 2011
A Tour of the Conservation Research Laboratory (CRL), directed by Dr. Donny L. Hamilton, included a look at the seldom-seen remains of La Belle, hoisted above her PEG tank. photo: Po Wan. Nov 2011