Diver Uncovers 100+ Shipwrecks: Stories Below Waves

Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist in Wisconsin, has dedicated her career to uncovering submerged histories, discovering more than 100 shipwrecks across the Great Lakes. She views these wrecks not as tragedies but as invaluable time capsules, revealing details about past lives, commerce, and the evolution of shipbuilding. The unique preservation conditions in the Great Lakes allow these vessels to remain remarkably intact, some appearing as they did over a century ago.

Her work extends beyond shipwrecks. Thomsen recently discovered 16 ancient dugout canoes in Lake Mendota, with some dating back as far as 5,200 years. This discovery involved collaboration with local tribes, prioritizing the canoes' preservation in their original state. This experience underscored the deep connection between indigenous communities and their ancestors, highlighting the profound historical narratives contained within submerged cultural resources.

Thomsen's challenging role involves extensive fieldwork during warmer months, followed by grant writing, reporting, and public presentations. She utilizes advanced technology like photogrammetry to create 3D models of wrecks, aiding in detailed analysis without increasing dive risks. Despite facing gender-based underestimation in her male-dominated field, Thomsen inspires future generations to pursue maritime archaeology through interdisciplinary learning and strong diving skills.