Storytelling about Shipwrecks and Scuttled Ships from the 17–19th Century in the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Naval Port of Karlskrona’ in Sweden

Scuttled ships, long dismissed for their perceived lack of archaeological value due to the absence of artefacts, play a crucial role in understanding and strengthening the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study focusing on the Naval Port of Karlskrona in Sweden demonstrates how storytelling about these shipwrecks can effectively engage interest and highlight their historical significance. By employing various narrative methods, researchers have shown that scuttled ships contribute significantly to discussions on cultural heritage preservation, usage, and development. This approach challenges traditional perceptions and underscores the importance of integrating such elements into broader heritage management strategies.

Stråkendal, P. (2024). Storytelling about Shipwrecks and Scuttled Ships from the 17–19th Century in the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Naval Port of Karlskrona’ in Sweden. Acta Archaeologica, 94(1), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1163/16000390-09401056