Revolutionary War historian Michael Steen, on left, director of education at the Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown, will give a special program on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at Buck’s Store Museum, 8850 Guinea Road, Bena, exploring the sunken ships of the York River. The program will begin with the British attempt to cripple the landing of French marines at the Yorktown waterfront during the conclusion of the Battle at Yorktown in October 1781. In this effort, the British deliberately scuttled an unknown number of ships and boats along the waterfront to hamper the supposed French landing—which didn’t occur, hence, “Yorktown’s Sunken Fleet.” Steen will delve into the research and recovery efforts concerning these sunken vessels beginning as early as 1852 and, in a well-documented timeline, continuing to the present. All are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.
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