Expeditions
Since 1983, the Queensland Museum has been excavating the wreck of the Pandora-widely regarded as one of the most significant shipwrecks in the Southern Hemisphere.
The wreck has lived up to early expectations that it is an internationally significant, archaeological site. After the first exploratory excavation in 1983, it was clear that there was a coherent and well-preserved collection of artefacts buried within, around and under the hull remains. With every expedition this became more apparent.
Between 1983 and 1999, the Queensland Museum's archaeological teams excavated on nine separate occasions. Excavation concentrated mainly in the stern and bow sections-areas used by the crew for accommodation and for storage of their personal possessions and professional equipment. Clusters of artefacts found here relate to the officers and crew, and reveal their various shipboard activities and aspects of their personal lives.
Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the museum's excavations of this impressive historic wreck. You can read early expedition summaries (1983 to 1996) or the Expedition Leader's Chronicles from the 1997, 1998 and 1999 expeditions.
Expedition summaries
Expedition Leader's Chronicles