Oswego Maritime Foundation

Submerged Cultural Resources Program

The OMF Submerged Cultural Resources program serves the community by facilitating the research of submerged cultural resources.

Goals

Locate, identify, and document submerged cultural resources before they are obscured or destroyed by natural or man-made factors.
Promote the preservation and responsible use of submerged cultural resources.
Work with economic development and tourism agencies, and with private organizations and business to enhance recreational SCUBA diving opportunities.

Oswego, NY and the surrounding area has been a vital fresh water port in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence seaway since the late 1600s. This port has played an important role in the history of the United States as the site of several naval and land military engagements and as a commercial shipping center. Oswego was a contested strategic location during the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812. It was a primary port of call for thousands of vessels transporting people and supplies during the expansion, settlement, and industrialization of the American mid-west.

The historical record indicates over 160 shipwrecks have occurred in the Oswego area. Many were salvaged or refloated. Approximately 30 may remain hidden beneath the waters. These potential wreck sites include the full range of Great Lakes vessel types from the late 1600s to the present day. The locations of only five are known to OMF, including the David W. Mills, Cormorant, Mary Kay, a dredge in Oswego Harbor, and a houseboat.

The SCR program administers the New York State David W. Mills Submerged Cultural Preserve and Dive Site, the state's first underwater preserve in Great Lake Ontario.

Each spring, OMF joins with New York Sea Grant to host "Great Lakes Underwater!," a day-long event featuring presentations by Great Lakes shipwreck explorers.