Honor Frost and the Maritime Framework
How one pioneer contributed to the policies, practices, and standards of maritime archeaology
Honor working on the recovered timbers by Steve NathansonHonor Frost Foundation
Honor Frost, a pioneer of maritime archaeology, made considerable contributions to the field that helped to shape the discipline as we recognise it today through her work concerned with policy, practice, and the establishment of professional standards.
IJNA: Legitimising the Discipline
Frost’s contributed to the founding of the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (IJNA) through the Council for Nautical Archaeology (CNA). It offered the first scholarly platform dedicated to the field. This document shows the early stages of the journal's development.
UNESCO Manual on Underwater Archaeology:A Nascent Discipline
Another of Frost's significant contributions to the discipline was as editor of the revised UNESCO's Manual on Underwater Archaeology in the late 1970s. Although the Manual was never published, it reflected the important discussions ongoing in the field at this time.
Letter to Frost concerning her proposed involvement in the UNESCO text on underwater archaeology (1977-06-03) by Yudhishthir Raj Isar (UNESCO)Honor Frost Foundation
This letter of correspondence addressed to Frost from Mr. Isar from UNESCO highlights the importance of addressing legislative frameworks in the Manual for the protection of underwater cultural heritage (UCH).
UNESCO, Lawyers and Legislation
As this letter demonstrates, under Frost's editorial guidance legal experts Lyndel Prott and Patrick O'Keefe were tasked with the production of the legislation chapter in the new Manual. They worked closely alongside each other on the project.
Prott praising UNESCO's publication (1982) by Lyndel ProttHonor Frost Foundation
In this excerpt from a letter from Lyndel Prott to Frost in 1982, the pivotal importance of the inclusion of such a chapter in the UNESCO Manual is emphasised, particularly in a time when there were mounting threats to UCH and weak existing protective measures.
Punic Ship— A Case of Mismanagement
While UNESCO, Frost and the legal duo were making strides in establishing protective legal frameworks for UCH, shortfalls remained in the guidance for the management of maritime heritage. This is best exemplified by the case of the Punic Ship.
Excerpt from article on the re-erection of the Punic ship (1978) by Honor FrostHonor Frost Foundation
Painstakingly excavated and recorded by Frost and her team; the fate of the vessel was severely compromised by the extremely inadequate building in Marsala that was hurriedly acquired by local authorities to house the Ship.
Excerpt from letter from Lyndel Prott (1982-08-12) by Lyndel ProttHonor Frost Foundation
This excerpt of a letter from Lyndel Prott to Frost exemplifies the shared sentiment of the mismanagement of the Punic Ship and the hope for a solution in the future. The case undoubtedly strengthened Frost's advocacy for a stronger protective framework for UCH and best practice.
Excerpt from an article on maritime archaeology and museum resources (1983) by Honor Frost and 1983Honor Frost Foundation
Informed Experience
Frost's experience with the management of the Punic ship highlights the key challenges faced by museums when dealing with delicate maritime material with specific conservation requirements. In this excerpt taken from Museum International the shortfalls are highlighted by Frost.
In-Situ Preservation
Frost began to favour in-situ preservation of UCH; an opinion that was ahead of her time. This excerpt below from her article in the IJNA published in 1997 illustrates her support of this management strategy through the case study of Ustica underwater archaeological park.
Ustica underwater archaeological park
This modern video captures the importance of the appropriate and ethical management of UCH in situ. Doing so often benefits archaeology and also allows the public to access finds in context, leading to better support and appreciation for UCH as a whole.
Excerpt from letter from Frost criticising suggestions for repatriation legislation (1977-11-05) by Honor FrostHonor Frost Foundation
Honor Frost's passion for the adequate protective measures, conservation and preservation of underwater cultural heritage for the greater good of all humanity is exemplified in this excerpt from a letter to Mr. Isar in 1977.
Legacy
Through this work, Frost was influential over UK legislation (including the CNA's involvement with the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973), international policy frameworks and the strengthening of the recognition of maritime archaeology as a professional discipline.
Keeping the story going...
The HFF Steering Commitee on Underwater Cultural Heritage advises the Honor Frost Foundation and helps guide its approach to policy issues concerning UCH and strengthening engagement with key audiences. Thanks to them, the legacy of Frost in this area continues to burn bright.
This quote from Lauren Tidbury on behalf of the Honor Frost Foundation encapsulates the significance of the work of the HFF Steering Committee on Underwater Cultural Heritage and their continuation of the legacy of Honor Frost's commitment to the advocacy for UCH.
Created by Odette Lomas for the Honor Frost Foundation
With thanks to the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Southampton.
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