Vermont Humanities

The Underwater Archaeology of the American Revolution on Lake Champlain

New York by Ernie Haas, a painting of a revolutionary war era ship being attacked on Lake Champlain
Speakers Bureau
New York by Ernie Haas, a painting of a revolutionary war era ship being attacked on Lake Champlain
Image Credit: “Cannon Exploding Aboard Gunboat” New York, October 17, 1776 by Ernest Haas, 2002. Courtesy of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Collection.

In the years running up to the current 250th commemorations of 1776, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum has focused its research activities on the American Revolution. This presentation will share information on a number of previous, recent, and current research efforts focused on the Revolutionary War in general, and the Battle of Valcour Bay (October 1776) and its aftermath in particular. Archaeological excavations at Valcour Bay, Arnold’s Bay, and recent documentation and research efforts on the gunboat Spitfire will be discussed.  The combination of historical research and archaeological evidence leads to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the pivotal events that took place on Lake Champlain in 1776.

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Projector with computer.

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Questions?

Contact Jacob Pelletier at jpelletier@vermonthumanities.org.

About the Presenter

Chris Sabick headshot of a white man with short hair and a beard. He stands in front of a wooden bookshelft that has a model sail ship. he is wearing a blue fleece vest and maroon shirt.

Christopher Sabick

Chris Sabick joined the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in 1998 as an intern, and returned for a full-time position in 1999. Since that time, he has also acted as an Archaeological Diver, Conservation Lab Director, and the Director of Research and Archaeology.

Talks by Chris Sabick

New York by Ernie Haas, a painting of a revolutionary war era ship being attacked on Lake Champlain

The Underwater Archaeology of the American Revolution on Lake Champlain

In the years running up to the current 250th commemorations of 1776, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum has focused its research activities on the American Revolution. This presentation will share information on a number of previous, recent, and current research efforts focused on the Revolutionary War in general, and the Battle of Valcour Bay (October 1776) and its aftermath in particular.

Vermont Humanities*** August 7, 2025