Underwater Archaeology

Rhode Island's underwater archaeology program is administered by RIHPHC, who maintains files on the location and condition of shipwrecks, and issues permits for their study.

If you know the location of a shipwreck, please let RIHPHC know. This information will be added to our inventory for preservation and planning purposes. For more information contact Charlotte Taylor (401-222-4140).

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An archaeologist from Gray and Pape, Inc. examines a soil core collected from the ocean floor (©Gray and Pape, Inc.).

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An archaeologist from the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography studying a shipwreck at Green Jacket Shoal in East Providence (©URI-GSO).

RIMAP underwater investigation ballast in newport

RIMAP dive team investigates an unidentified Newport ballast pile (L. Nelson ©RIMAP 2020).