In November 2021, maritime archaeologists with the Wisconsin Historical Society recovered one of the most important artifacts in the organization’s 176-year history, a 1,200-year-old dugout canoe resting on the bottom of Madison's Lake Mendota. The recovery of the oldest intact boat ever found in the state made international headlines, and was even named one of the most fascinating archeological finds of 2021 by Smithsonian Magazine, but until today, that story was largely told through still images. Now we’re ready to take you along with us on the dive to recover this historic treasure. In this video, you’ll join State Archaeologist Dr. James Skibo, Archaeologist Amy Rosebrough, Maritime Archaeologists Tamara Thomsen and Caitlin Zant, and their team as they dive into the dark, murky depths of Lake Mendota to reveal the first mysteries of this stunning story from Wisconsin history.

Learn more: https://wihist.org/3DQEaty