Invitation to a public lecture by Dr Bruno Werz on ‘Finding Haarlem’

Royal Society of South Africa and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) invite you to a public lecture by Dr Bruno Werz, CEO of the African Institute for Marine & Underwater Research, Exploration & Education on ‘Finding Haarlem?’

Abstract: on the 25th of March 1647, shortly after five o’clock in the afternoon, the United Dutch East India Company ship Haarlem wrecked in Table Bay. The events that followed had far-reaching consequences, and this incident can be regarded as the catalyst that created one of the roots of modern South Africa. Since 1989, a project is underway to search for Haarlem. This presentation provides a brief overview of work undertaken to date. This has resulted in the location of a site that, based on currently available evidence, possibly contains the wreck.

About the speaker: Dr Bruno Werz, FSA, once the youngest diver on the world famous ‘Mary Rose project’, introduced scientific maritime archaeological research to southern Africa in 1988. Previously a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town, he is currently CEO of the African Institute for Marine & Underwater Research, Exploration & Education (AIMURE) (http://www.aimure.org), as well as research associate at the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, University of Pretoria. In 2010, he was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London for his services to maritime archaeology and history.

Note: Strict Covid protocols will be observed, including mask on arrival, digital temperature, health questionnaire and social distancing in the venue.

Date:     Wednesday 18 November 2020

Cost:     Free

Time:    17h00 (Tea will be served from 16h30)

Place:    South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Auditorium, Observatory Road, Observatory*

*Directions to SAAO Auditorium : From the N2, turn off to the M57 – Liesbeek Parkway; turning in the direction of Cape Town and continue until the traffic lights with Hartleyvale (hockey and football) on your left. Turn right at traffic lights into Observatory Road, pass the River Club; the S A Astronomical Observatory is next on the left. Once through the security gates bear left following the SALT signs to the auditorium i.e. last building on the left (white with stoep & ramp).                                                               

 PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF DRIVEWAYS