BrainFood: Unlocking the Secrets of the Gunboat at Ground Zero - Dr. Peter Fix

Dr. Peter Fix, Principal Conservator of the World Trade Center Ship and expert in Archaeological Watercraft Conservation at Texas A&M University, delivers a compelling lecture that uncovers the story of a Revolutionary War-era vessel discovered beneath the World Trade Center site.

Unearthed in 2010, this 18th-century gunboat had been buried in landfill along the Hudson River shoreline for over two centuries. Believed to have been built near Philadelphia in the 1770s and possibly captured by the British during the war, the ship’s remains, along with other artifacts, offer an extraordinary glimpse into early American maritime history.

Dr. Fix shares insights into the ship’s discovery, historical context, and the meticulous conservation process that brought this rare vessel back to life. From its wartime role to its final resting place at Ground Zero, this remarkable find bridges America’s Revolutionary past with its modern history in a profound and unforgettable way.