Each time one of our salvage vessels returns from a trip to one of the shipwreck sites they immediately bring tagged and numbered artifacts back to the conservation lab. At our headquarters on Greene Street the transfer is made from our salvage teams to our conservation team. Each artifact is accounted for by number and checked into the conservation lab one at a time. Each artifact is kept in wet storage to avoid further deterioration as they await their turn to be conserved.
Captain Andy Matroci of the J.B. Magruder brought their most recent finds to the lab and we were able to capture the beginning of this process to share on video. Due to the overwhelming number of artifacts that are being found both on the Atocha and Margarita wreck sites this process can sometimes take hours. You will see Captain Andy and Senior Conservator John Corcoran read tag numbers aloud while Lab Assistant Brittni Pierson reviews the salvage log sheets. They are verifying that each artifact found on the site is tagged appropriately and is checked into the lab. This system of checks and balances ensures that no artifacts are lost in transit or mis-tagged. This also ensures, from an archaeological perspective, that the artifacts are properly authenticated and certified. You will also be able to see the 3 very intact arquebus’ lying in a fresh water tank as they are also checked into the lab to begin conservation. (Please excuse the background noise in the video as the fan in the lab needed to remain on.)
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