“Shipwrecks: Living Museums” Exhibition Grand Opening & Community Day

Name: “Shipwrecks: Living Museums” Exhibition Grand Opening & Community Day
Start: 2026-04-11T13:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-11T16:00:00-04:00
Location: 416 N Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN, United States, Indiana 47408

Schedule

Sat Apr 11 2026 at 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

416 N Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN, United States, Indiana 47408 | Bloomington, IN

Dive into maritime history and underwater science at the grand opening of "Shipwrecks: Living Museums," an immersive archaeological exhibition developed in partnership with the IU Center for Underwater Science. Join us for a free, family-friendly afternoon complete with shipwreck stories, hands-on science, and creative activities. There will be something for everyone!
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy curator-led talks inside the new exhibition, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Underwater Science Lab, and participate in interactive learning stations and crafts. Popsicles from Rasta Pops and cookies from Two Sticks Bakery will be available for guests as supplies last.
This is a come-and-go event, so stop by anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 PM.
Free and Open to All
What’s Happening:
Shipwrecks Curator Talks
Hear engaging stories about real shipwrecks and how researchers study them today.
1:30–2:00 PM
3:30–4:00 PM
Underwater Science Lab Talks (limited spots available)
Join a small group for a short, guided talk in the Underwater Science Lab. Learn how scientists explore shipwrecks and underwater environments.
2:00–2:15 PM
2:30–2:45 PM
Hands-On Underwater Science Activities
Try interactive science activities designed for all ages. Available throughout the event.
Creative Craft Activity
Make your own metal-stamped “maker’s mark” to take home.
Light Refreshments
Enjoy popsicles from Rasta Pops and cookies from Two Sticks Bakery.
Free Giveaways
Pick up a free magnet while supplies last.
Exhibition Details:
"Shipwrecks: Living Museums" is an immersive archaeological exhibition developed in partnership with the IU Center for Underwater Science. The history, archaeology, and ecology of shipwrecks reveals their significance as both historical sites and living marine habitats. Faced with ongoing threats from looting, environmental changes, and human interference, it is vitally important to protect these sites as “Living Museums,” bringing together historic preservation and environmental conservation. The exhibition also tells the story of underwater archaeology as a discipline, from its early days in the mid-20th century to its expansion following advances in diving technology.
Shipwrecks from Indiana’s Lake Michigan and the Caribbean are presented, revealing global commerce, technology and cultural exchange through a maritime lens. Indiana shipwrecks "Muskegon" and "JD Marshall" highlight Indiana’s maritime landscape from the 19th century to the present. Caribbean shipwreck sites, the "Punta Espada" and the "Nuestra Señora de Begoña", highlight 16th-18th century international trade and smuggling practices.
Parking Information:
Limited complimentary parking is available in front of the museum entrance off Indiana Avenue. Street parking is free all day on weekends and after 5:00 PM on weekdays in the neighborhoods surrounding the Museum. Paid parking options include the McCalla Building lot off Indiana Avenue, the Indiana Memorial Union lots, and the Poplars Parking Garage. Metered street parking is also available in the downtown/Sample Gates area, along Kirkwood Avenue, East 6th Street, East 4th Street, North Lincoln Street, North Dunn Street, and South Grant Street.
Questions?
For accessibility assistance or questions about this event, please reach out to Camden Hill at [email protected] or (812) 855-1696.
Note:
By attending this event, you agree to be in photography that may be used by the University for promotional purposes. If you would not like to be in any pictures, please speak to a Museum staff member and they will inform assigned photographers of your request. If you see that your image has been used in error, please reach out to [email protected] to request that it be taken down.
Free and Open to All