E. Lee Spence
Edward Lee Spence (born November 1947) is a pioneer in underwater archaeology who studies shipwrecks and sunken treasure. He is also a published editor and author of non-fiction reference books; a magazine editor (Diving World, Atlantic Coastal Diver, Treasure, Treasure Diver, and Treasure Quest), and magazine publisher (ShipWrecks, Wreck Diver); and a published photographer. Spence was twelve years old when he found his first five shipwrecks.
E. Lee Spence | |
|---|---|
E. Lee Spence with a 22kt gold sword hilt. | |
| Born | Edward Lee Spence November 1947 (age 76) Munich, Bavaria, Germany |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater | University of South Carolina College of Marine Arts |
| Known for | Discovery of H. L. Hunley (1st successful submarine),
Discovery of Georgiana (wrecked Confederate cruiser/blockade runner), Discovery of the identity of the "real Rhett Butler" |
| Awards | Donald O. Bushman Award |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Underwater archaeology
Maritime history Naval history |
| Institutions | Sea Research Society International Diving Institute |
Spence's past work has been funded by such institutions as the Savannah Ships of the Sea Museum, the College of Charleston, the South Carolina Committee for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities. In 1991 and 1992, Spence served as Chief of Underwater Archeology for San Andres y Providencia, a 40,000 square-mile, Colombian-owned archipelago in the western Caribbean. He has worked on the wrecks of Spanish galleons, pirate ships, Great Lakes freighters, modern luxury liners (cruise ships), Civil War blockade runners and submarines.