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Lucy Semaan (Honor Frost Foundation) will virtually speak on "Making Waves: Maritime Archaeology in Lebanon". Lunch will be at 12, the lecture will be at 12:30. 

More about the lecture:

Lebanon’s maritime archaeology sheds light on the nation’s deep and multifaceted ties to the sea—from its ancient navigation networks to the impacts of contemporary coastal expansion. This talk explores how the field has evolved in Lebanon and where it stands today, situating it within both its historical roots and its present-day challenges. Beginning with early observations by post-medieval travellers and the groundbreaking contributions of Honor Frost, the discussion traces the growth of maritime research along the Lebanese coast, including locally led investigations that persisted even through periods of conflict. By drawing on current and recent projects funded by the Honor Frost Foundation, I highlight how interdisciplinary methods—combining marine geophysics, geoarchaeology, remote sensing, and diver-based surveys—are shaping new understandings of the coastal and underwater record. Particular focus is placed on rescue initiatives and heritage responses to coastal development and emergencies, most notably in the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion. The lecture also engages with the broader structural issues affecting heritage protection, such as illicit recovery, lack of regulation, and institutional fragility. Looking ahead, it considers the paths toward resilience through training, public outreach, and sustainable models for preserving Lebanon’s vulnerable maritime past.