Organized by the Institute of Maritime History, a traveling exhibition surrounding the excavation of archaeological artifacts from the Annabella ( a 19th-century “coasting” vessel that sailed the waters of the Atlantic seaboard) was featured at The Brick Store Museum.

In the 1800s, sailing vessels known as “coasters” were the most prevalent types of ships. Coasters played a pivotal role in America’s economy, supplying foreign and domestic markets with raw materials such as timber, stone, ice, lime, and agricultural goods. A coasting vessel had never before been documented in an archaeological setting in New England, even though this type of watercraft was ubiquitous to the eastern United States seaboard in the 19th and early 20th century. In 1995, the Institute of Maritime History conducted an archaeological investigation of the 19th-century coasting vessel, Annabella, in Cape Neddick, Maine. Built in New Jersey in 1834 and finally abandoned in Cape Neddick in 1885, the Annabella survived the antebellum coasting trade, the Civil War, and post Civil War period. One hundred years later, the Annabella again traveled to the ports that she visited during her 50 years of service at sea.

The Institute of Maritime History (IMH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and documentation of archaeological remains related to maritime history. Based in York, Maine, IMH is engaged in the surveying and excavation of ship remains that lie along the New England coast. The primary goal at IMH is to interest the public in the appreciation of maritime history through the display and interpretation of archaeological remains and historical material. IMH extends its reach beyond the traditional academic audience with programs that include schoolchildren and interested local groups. Conservation, preservation, and presentation of the finds will benefit future generations of scholars and the public alike.

Following its venue at The Brick Store Museum, Annabella: A 19th Century Coasting Vessel traveled to the Annie E. Woodman Institute in Dover, NH (October, 1998); Bangor Public Library, Bangor, ME (November, 1998); State Street Bank, North Quincy, MA (February, 1999); East Boston Public Library, East Boston, MA (March, 1999); and Cumberland County Historical Society, Greenwich, NJ (April 1-20, 1999).