This exhibit tells the story of the 2009 discovery of the remains of two 18th century North American coastal trading vessels at historic Newington Plantation on the beach of the Mattaponi River. These are the oldest vessel remains archeologically investigated to date in the waters of the Commonwealth of Virginia. They provide design and construction data and reflect the craftsmanship of skilled shipwrights of the era. Artifacts recovered provide insight into the nature of colonial life and trade on the river. The investigation and documentation were completed by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR). The details of the entire investigation can be viewed on the VDHR website dhr.virginia.gov under their Archaeology Publications Research Report No. 18. The exhibit is sponsored by VDHR and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hurst, the owners of Newington Plantation.
