The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project

The Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) is a not-for-profit organization that trains diving and non-diving volunteers to participate in maritime history and marine archaeology research under professional direction. RIMAP membership and classes are open to the interested public, and research participation depends on matching volunteer skills and availability with RIMAP's particular needs and schedule.

RIMAP projects over the years have included studies of a reputed slave ship (carrying missionaries to Africa, not slaves from there), Royal Navy frigates and the British transport fleet (intentionally lost in 1778 during the American Revolution), a marine railway (an Army vessel repair facility abandoned after WW II), and numerous US Navy sites and unidentified vessels, equipment, and other marine debris under water and on land in Rhode Island. All of these projects are of local and national importance, but the interest is international in RIMAP's work to identify which British transport was the Endeavour of Capt. Cook's first circumnavigation.

This YouTube video is part of the capital campaign to build, equip, and staff a facility at Butts Hill Fort in Portsmouth, RI. It will conserve and display the artifacts from Rhode Island shipwrecks and maritime sites, and it will share their stories with the public.

For further details about how to participate in RIMAP activities or donate to our efforts, please check out the www.rimap.org website. Contact us by phone at (401) 253-2094, by snail mail at RIMAP, Box 1492, Newport, RI USA, or by email at [email protected].

Shot and Edited by Tim Labonte
Underwater Videography by Greg DeAscentis