Exploring Shipwrecks: The Impact of Technology on Learning

Technology has played a crucial role in uncovering historical artifacts and shipwrecks, providing valuable insights into our past. The recent return of an 80-pound brass bell from the USS Jacob Jones, a U.S. Navy destroyer sunk during World War I, highlights how advancements in technology are changing the way we learn about these maritime tragedies.

The bell, which went down with the ship after being struck by a German submarine’s torpedo in 1917, was recently recovered from the wreck site in the Atlantic Ocean. Expert divers, using cutting-edge technology, located the bell around 400 feet below the surface, some 60 miles south of Cornwall in southern England. This discovery would not have been possible without the use of advanced underwater surveying equipment and techniques.

Furthermore, the collaboration between the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) and the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) unit showcases how technology can facilitate international partnerships in the study and preservation of historic shipwrecks. The use of remote-operated vehicles, sonar imaging, and other high-tech tools has allowed researchers to explore these underwater sites in ways that were previously unimaginable.

The bell’s return to the United States marks the beginning of a new chapter in its preservation and exhibition. Conservation efforts, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, will ensure that this historic artifact is protected for future generations to learn from and appreciate. The bell will eventually be displayed at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C., providing a tangible connection to the story of the USS Jacob Jones and the sacrifices made by its crew during World War I.

As technology continues to evolve, it is clear that our ability to uncover and study shipwrecks will only improve. From deep-sea exploration to digital mapping and 3D modeling, the future of maritime archaeology holds endless possibilities for discovering and preserving our maritime heritage. The story of the USS Jacob Jones and its bell serves as a reminder of the important role that technology plays in shaping our understanding of the past.