Your Big Backyard: New England Shipwrecks

Many ships of sail and steam have wrecked along our shores over the years, including the U.S. Submarine "Squalus" in 1939 (seen in photo at right), which was later raised and recommissioned as the "Sailfish". Learn more about the "Squalus" incident and other shipwrecks of New England with wreck diving enthusiast Bruce Bateman. The presentation will include both images and artifacts that Bruce as collected over the years.
Bruce Bateman has led a fascinating life in the sea and in the air, and has… Show more examined many shipwrecks. He was cofounder of the Air Force Diving Team, which established procedures for jumping out of helicopters and rescuing downed airmen, diving under the ice for body and aircraft recovery, and training police and fire fighters for rescue teams. He was also cofounder and president of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Diving Club. Mr. Bateman has been a Banner Tow Pilot, a Glider Tow Pilot, an Ultra light Aircraft Examiner and a test pilot of experimental aircraft. He currently serves as a tour guide for Salem Trolley, Hawthorne Tours and Derby Square Tours.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Location: Main Library Community Meeting Room (ground floor)

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