The Hampshire charity, The Maritime Archaeology Trust, has launched a new appeal to help bring its unique mobile museum and laboratory to schools and youth groups.
Over a number of years the charity’s Discovery Bus has been funded to travel around the region, teaching school children and youth groups about maritime history. This year, however, with less money afforded to heritage, the Maritime Archaeology Trust is now encouraging schools and communities to get active while learning about the past – all with the aim of supporting the upkeep of the bus and to help it reach more children.
The newly launched campaign called ‘Swim for Shipwrecks’ is a swim-a-thon that the Trust says will really spark the imagination – especially with the centenary of the First World War approaching.
Garry Momber, Director of the Trust said:
“With many stories of tragedy and survival happening in the waters around the Solent we’re keen to make sure that children are aware of our region’s rich history. Sunken remains hold pivotal links to much of our land-based heritage and, as a maritime region, we must insure that this link is not forgotten.
“By bringing the wonders of the deep to the surface we’re able to really inspire children, and the Discovery Bus is a vital resource in us doing this.”
In 2012 and 2013 the Trust was able to reach 3,790 people with the Discovery Bus and the new campaign hopes to get more schools and groups involved by swimming, and with a range of educational activities.
The Swim for Shipwrecks swim-a-thon will take place between now and August and is open to individuals, families, schools and groups.
If you would like to support the campaign, fundraise to bring the bus to your school or to access more information you can visit www.maritimearchaeologytrust.org.
