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The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a 501 (c) (3) accredited, not-for-profit organization existing to research, interpret, and exhibit the maritime history of Florida and the Caribbean in ways that increase knowledge, enrich the spirit, and stimulate inquiry.

Peter Mowell Video Gallery

The Search for the Slave Ship Peter Mowell - A Video Montage

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The successful search for the remains of the 1860 shipwreck of the American slaving schooner Peter Mowell was conducted in the summer of 2012. The Peter Mowell wrecked at Lynyard Cay in the Abaco Islands while attempting to carry 400 African people from the Congo River area to Cuba. The team, from the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum of Key West, Florida, the Bahamas Antiquities, Monuments, & Museums Corporation of Nassau, and Atlantic Sea Resources of Lake Worth, Florida, used a wealth of historical information to pinpoint the ship's remains. Because the Lynyard Cay shore is so unforgiving, not much of the Peter Mowell has survived: only ballast stones, iron and copper nails, copper sheathing, tacks, and a few other durable items were located.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum - Galleon "Atocha"
Atocha Coins.jpg

Our Location

200 Greene Street  |  Key West, FL 33040

Open

Open 7 Days

10:00 - 4:00
Did you know that the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is the only fully accredited museum in the Florida Keys? That means we’re more than just an exciting adventure story. We’re also a nationally recognized research and archaeology institution.
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