FAQ's

Who discovered the Henrietta Marie?

The ship was discovered by Mel Fisher’s sub-contractors in 1972 and excavated briefly in 1973 and not touched again until another brief excavation in1983.  His crews spent little more than a month all told over the years.  In 1991, Mel Fisher donated the site to the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, who has had sole responsibility for the site ever since.  This has included five archaeological field seasons, an extensive survey of New Ground Reef on which the shipwreck is located, and continuous conservation of the objects found on the site.

How many slave ships have been discovered worldwide?

That number is uncertain, but fewer than ten have been identified and the Henrietta Marie is the only one to have been excavated in the Americas.

Who developed the Henrietta Marie exhibition?

“A Slave Ship Speaks, the Wreck of the Henrietta Marie” was developed by the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society together with a team of prominent historians, recruited nationally, among them are Russell Adams, PhD, (Howard University); Linda Heywood PhD, (Howard University); Colin Palmer PhD, (City University of New York); James Rawley PhD, (University of Nebraska); and John Thornton, (Millersville University).  The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum’s curatorial team was led by Tonia Barringer and included Andrew Kelly and Madeleine Burnside PhD.  Many other people worked with the scholarly and curatorial teams to make the exhibition a success.  Particular thanks go to Oswald Sykes (Chair, NABS Henrietta Marie Shipwreck Committee), and Michael Cottman (journalist) and the other members of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers who helped to test exhibition modules, produce videos, and promote the exhibition tour.

Who has performed the archaeology on the Henrietta Marie?

David Moore was the original project archaeologist, who worked first for Mel Fisher and later for the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society.  Mr. Moore completed his master’s thesis on the shipwreck in 1987 and has updated this into an archaeological survey of the site in 1996.  Corey Malcom, the Society’s Director of Archaeology, has led the archaeological team since 1991 and has spent five field seasons on the site.  Mr. Malcom has published numerous articles on the wreck and has conducted many months of work on the site itself as well as years of research on the artifacts.  Much of his work is available on this website.

Where can I go to see the Henrietta Marie Exhibit?

The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society maintains a modern, permanent installation on site in Key West, Florida. To find out more about this location please click here. To find the Henrietta Marie national exhibit tour locations and dates, please click here.

Do you know the names of the captives on the Henrietta Marie? Can I research whether or not I am a descendant of anyone on the Henrietta Marie?

It is not known where in Africa the Henrietta Marie traded in her first voyage of 1697-98, but she did deliver 250 people to Barbados. For her second voyage, 1699-1700, the evidence suggests the Henrietta Marie carried over 200 people sold from the New Calabar region of what is now Nigeria. Their original homelands were probably somewhere further inland. It is thought they were of the Igbo cultural group, but there is no record of their specific identities. These people were sold in Port Royal, Jamaica

How many people died when the Henrietta Marie Sank?

The English and European crew members, approximately 18 of them, were the only passengers on the ship when it sank.

When and where did the Henrietta Marie sink?

The Henrietta Marie sank in July of 1700. The wreck is about 35 miles west of Key West, Florida

What protection does the site have against looters?

The known portions of the site have been excavated, and little remains on the sea-floor. As with most shipwrecks though, nature is the best protector. The remains of the Henrietta Marie are found as deep as 8 to 10 feet below the sand, and require extensive know-how to recover.  Also, the site lies within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and special permission is required to conduct research there.

Is the museum’s archaeology team still working at the Henrietta Marie site?

Yes, the search for other portions of the ship is underway. All of New Ground Reef, where the Henrietta Marie sank, is being explored. Click here to read what currently is being done  “Magnetism of New Ground Reef.”

How can I help the museum continue its work on the Henrietta Marie?

Join the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society for $35 and receive the monthly newsletter and Henrietta Marie updates. Click here to join now.

Where can I find out more about the Henrietta Marie? Are there any books you recommend?

Click here to visit our booklist for more information on the Henrietta Marie.

How can I help to bring the Henrietta Marie to a museum near me?

Meet with the exhibition staff at your local museum. The exhibition needs gallery space of no less than 2,500 sq. ft.

I want to know more about the Henrietta Marie objects?

Click here to go to research.