As part of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum’s archaeology lecture series, the museum welcomes Brendan Foley to discuss Robots and Ancient Shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea. Ancient shipwrecks littering the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea are direct evidence of trade and communication between the earliest civilizations. Dr. Foley will show us how scientists are deploying advanced submarine robots and sensors in collaboration with regional partners in Greece, Egypt, Cyprus, and Algeria.

Dr. Foley is a research associate for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute specializing in applied ocean physics and engineering. His research focuses on archaeology in deep water, specifically in the Mediterranean Sea. Dr. Foley received his BA from the University of New Hampshire and PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he now teaches. He is a member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources.

Robots and Ancient Shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum library at 5:30 p.m. Admission for members is $8, and for non-members, $12. There will be a reception to follow in the Pease House Galleries at the museum.

Visit mvmuseum.org for more information about upcoming programming and exhibits. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is committed to inspiring interest and understanding of the Island’s unique history, culture and physical characteristics by collecting, preserving and presenting relevant materials and information to a wide audience. The Museum is open year-round, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is free to members; admission for non-members is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children 6 to 15 and free for children under the age of 6.