Button Discovery: A Trophy of War!

A St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum conservator was air scribing when he made an exciting discovery – a pewter button with the letters “U.S.A.” distinctly revealed on its front side. Our conservator was working on a concretion from a 1782 British shipwreck. Why would a U.S.A. button be on a British Loyalist vessel? Learn how the button may have been a trophy of war. Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum to view the “Wrecked!” exhibit, featuring the U.S.A. button and other artifacts recovered from an American Revolution-era shipwreck. Experience live demos, traditional boatbuilding, WWII exhibit, and more!

“A St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum conservator was air scribing when he made an exciting discovery – a pewter button with the letters “U.S.A.” distinctly revealed on its front side. Our conservator was working on a concretion from a 1782 British shipwreck. Why would a U.S.A. button be on a British Loyalist vessel?
 
Dr. Paul Johnston of the Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Roger Smith of the St. Augustine Historical Society will discuss how the button may have been a trophy of war. Enjoy this free event open to the public. Please RSVP to Liz at esnow@staugustinelighthouse.org or 904-829-0745 ext. 245.
 
Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum to view the “Wrecked!” exhibit, featuring the U.S.A. button and other artifacts recovered from an American Revolution-era shipwreck. Experience live demos, traditional boatbuilding, WWII exhibit, and more!”