Trent University is known for its unique and innovative courses. Adding to the list is the department of Archaeology’s Maritime Archaeology, a new two-week course at Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene, Ontario. The course offers students the opportunity to study the archaeology of human interaction with water, the history of boats and ships in the Great Lakes and beyond, archaeological methods of documenting maritime marine heritage and more, all in a setting that offers amazing hands-on opportunities.

“This is the only university course in maritime archaeology currently offered in Canada,” says Dr. James Conolly, department chair of Anthropology at Trent. “Trent pioneered maritime archaeology’s introduction into Ontario's archaeological curriculum in the 1970s. This is a new course initiative that embraces the rapid advances in the technologies used within maritime archaeology, but is also grounded in hands-on learning and the historical context of vessel design, construction and use.”

With the cooperation of Discovery Harbour (Huronia Historical Parks) the course will be available starting this summer and will use the harbor, museums, ship remains and ship replicas as tools for learning. There is no pre-requisite for the course and non-Trent students and adult learners are welcome to register.

Learn more about the course.