Take a break from winter weather to join us in exploring the world’s most famous shipwreck, and its connections to Michigan and the Nautical Archaeology program at NMC! The Northwestern Michigan College Archaeology Society will host two evening lectures – the first on Friday evening, February 8, 2013 entitled Michigan Connections to the RMS Titanic, and the second on Saturday evening February 9, 2013 titled The Titanic Mapping Project.
Our special guest, Kenneth J. Vrana, will share his knowledge and experiences gained from the historical and archaeological study of RMS Titanic. He also looks forward to discussing opportunities for the study of our tremendous Great Lakes underwater cultural heritage. Mr. Vrana served as consulting underwater archaeologist for both Titanic Expedition 2004 and 2010 as well as Carpathia Expedition 2007. He is currently co-director of the Titanic Mapping Project for Premier Exhibitions, Inc. During a 35-year career, Mr. Vrana has recorded nearly 1,000 scientific dives on historic shipwrecks throughout the United States, western Pacific and Caribbean region, including project coordinator for the first civilian expedition to the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1989.
On Friday, February 8 at 7:30 – 8:30pm, Mr. Vrana will present Michigan Connections to the RMS Titanic, followed by a question and answer session. Prior to the presentation (6:00 – 7:30pm), there is a reception in the Dennos Museum Center lobby to meet the speaker. Tickets for this event are $25 per person.
On Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 – 8:00pm, NMC students will present the results of current nautical archaeology research in Northwestern Michigan. Following the student presentations, Mr. Vrana will present The Titanic Mapping Project. The event will last until 9:00pm with time for questions. Tickets for this event are $10 per person.
Tickets are available from NMCAS Members, the Social Science Department at NMC (114 Scholars Hall), and at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Northwestern Michigan College Archaeology Society’s student research trip to Wales in June 2013. For more information visit www.nasnmc.com.