January 24, 2006 - Treasure Salvor Presentation at the Historical Museum This Sunday, Jan. 29

Historical Shipwreck Salvor John Brandon will present a slide program and artifact presentation this Sunday, January 29 at 1 p.m. The free event will take place at the St. Lucie County Historical Museum located at 414 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce.

Brandon's 45-minute program will highlight the "treasure hunt" process including the research, history and sleuthing involved in shipwreck salvaging off the Florida coast. Brandon will also have intriguing stories to tell of his 36-year career as an historical shipwreck salvor.

"I found my first coin when I was 13, and at 16, I was hired on by Treasure Salvor Mel Fisher," Brandon notes.

He has been associated with the Mel Fisher family throughout his career. Brandon presently excavates local 1715 wrecks off St. Lucie County and serves as a consultant for excavation of the 1622 Margarita (sister ship of the Atocha) in the Florida Keys.

Brandon's program on Sunday compliments the recent opening of the Museum's "Viva La Florida! Spanish Pathways in Florida" exhibit which runs through April. Following the program, visitors may visit the Museum to see this new special exhibit and the 14 other permanent exhibits of local history. A modest admission is charged for the Museum.

For more information, call Anne Sinnott, museum educator, at (772) 462-1891.