With an extensive background in anthropology and underwater archaeology, exploring the world of filmmaking was new territory for Dr. Morgan Smith. That changed when Smith stepped into the role of co-producer for a feature-length documentary, “Finding the Floridians,” which aired in December 2024 on WFSU-TV—a PBS affiliate in Florida.
Steamship wreckage located in Tennessee River
The work was OK’d with a permit from the Tennessee Division of Archaeology. The sonar equipment was loaned by ECHO81 out of Hartwell, Georgia. The UTC Walker Center for Teaching and Learning provided a mini-grant to rent the pontoon boat. The boat was rented through Chattanooga’s Erwin Marine. Morgan Smith wasn’t sure he’d find what…