Maritime Museums and Maritime Archaeological Exhibitions

Abstract

Maritime museums and the exhibition of maritime archaeological material in Australia have not been without its controversies. Although some museums and exhibitions have been very successful in promoting the importance of maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage, others have been less so. Sometimes this failure is due to inexperience in interpreting new material, a lack of funding, low staffing levels, or due to overly optimistic predictions in visitor numbers. Despite these problems the exhibition of maritime archaeological material is still one of the best ways of providing the general public with an insight into what is maritime archaeology. It plays an important advocacy role to urge governments to continue to support the work of the various museums and state agencies that are responsible for the management of underwater cultural heritage.