“Shipwrecks of the Blackwater River” presentation scheduled

Blackwater River

VALPARAISO — Celebrating Archaeology Month, the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will feature a free presentation on “Shipwrecks of the Blackwater River” for its History Sandwiched In program.

Nicole Grinnan, from the Florida Public Archaeology Network, will present the informal lecture at noon Friday, March 11 at the museum, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.

This lecture will describe vessels including lumber schooners, steam tugs and snapper smacks that used the Blackwater River to transport their supplies and products.

The river flows through the pine forests and fertile uplands of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties. Historically, commerce along the river included shipyards, brick kilns, and lumber mills.

Bring a sandwich and take your lunch break. This lecture is free and open to the public. Call 678-2615 to reserve a seat due to limited space.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: “Shipwrecks of the Blackwater River” presentation scheduled