Submitted by Moira Parker
Approximately 55 people attended the latest Sources of Knowledge (SOK) talk on June 11, where archaeologist Dr. James Conolly shared stories of hidden archaeological treasures resting beneath Ontario’s lakes. A professor at Trent University, Dr. Conolly has helped advance marine archaeology in Ontario. Throughout his career, he has supervised more than 40 graduate students across a variety of disciplines, including marine archaeology. At a time when opportunities to study marine archaeology at Ontario universities were limited, Dr. Conolly helped establish and expand the field, inspiring a new generation of researchers to explore the province’s submerged past.
During his presentation, Dr. Conolly provided an overview of the archaeological potential found within the Great Lakes and inland waterways, spanning from pre-contact Indigenous sites to shipwrecks from the early twentieth century. Among his current research projects is the identification and documentation of submerged pre-contact archaeological sites in the Kawartha-Rideau region. He is also involved in using GIS to predict where undiscovered shipwrecks may be located and studying the environmental factors that contribute to the deterioration of wrecks in different underwater settings.
One such project led Dr. Conolly and his colleagues to investigate a mysterious deep-water wreck in Lake Ontario. The discovery was initially reported by others, prompting a closer examination. However, the wreck’s depth, nearly 300 feet below the surface, proved too great for Dr. Conolly’s ROV, which lacked the cable length necessary to reach the site.
Instead, a team of technical divers were deployed. Equipped with heated dry suits, 6 scuba tanks, and cameras, the divers descended to the wreck for a brief 20-minute exploration. Following the dive, they spent approximately two hours decompressing before returning safely to the surface.
Tasked primarily with photographic documentation, the divers captured remarkable images that revealed evidence of what appears to be an early nineteenth-century vessel, likely dating to the 1820s. Clues included the ship’s hull design and propulsion features, which suggest a transitional period in maritime technology. The photographs also revealed an impressive array of preserved artifacts, including anchors, a rudder, masts, a figurehead, a belaying pin, a double-sheave block, a stove, and remnants of a deckhouse. Despite the wreck’s considerable depth, invasive quagga mussels have already begun colonizing portions of the vessel.
The presentation shed light on Ontario’s rich underwater heritage and the complexities of investigating archaeological sites resting deep below the surface of its lakes. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a special thank you to Dr. Conolly for sharing his expertise with a community shaped by maritime history.
SOK will now take a break from its public lecture series for the summer months. Organizers extended thanks to Parks Canada for its continued partnership in supporting the program. Behind the scenes, work will continue as the organization finalizes its bursary program, plans next year’s forum, explores additional initiatives to support the community, and prepares to launch a new website in the fall. Those who missed the presentation will be able to listen to the talk on Spotify. Updates on upcoming talks and initiatives will continue to be shared through the website (sourcesofknowledge.ca) and social media channels. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer!
