This is a personal post FUN Show update from Ben Costello, 1715 Fleet Society.
This was the second year that the 1715 Fleet Society hosted an informational table at the recent FUN Show in Orlando, Florida (January 10-13, 2013). Many interested attendees visited our table to obtain informational literature and see the displays that were presented by the Society. Our displays consisted of museum quality replicas of Fleet gold, silver and artifacts. These were very popular and received quite a bit of attention. We were interviewed and filmed by a young lady and her colleague who were quite impressed by the way in which the replica items were arranged and presented. In addition to our displays, the Fleet Society rented a monitor which depicted images of recovered treasures such as gold and silver cobs from Mexico and Peru, jewelry and other artifacts. This also proved to be quite popular with our visitors in addition to being a great educational resource.
On Thursday, January 10th, I was privileged to give a presentation regarding the 1715 Fleet and the upcoming anniversary that will be commemorated in 2015. It was well attended and I was most honored to be included in this year’s educational programming. The presentation was recorded and will be available for sale through the Florida United Numismatists.
At our table this year to help with the work was 1715 Fleet Society Director Ernie Richards and volunteers John Pullin, Ray Blakeney, Richard Jewell and Tom Uram, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists. Special mention goes to Jan Costello who watched over the table and displays to allow other volunteers to move around the Convention Center to shop and socialize. Also, special thanks to Frank Noga who provided his collection of replicas which served as the centerpiece of our displays.
The Florida United Numismatists have committed to having the 1715 Fleet Disaster as its theme for the 2015 FUN Show. FUN President Tony Swicer has appointed former FUN President Bob Hurst to serve as Chairman of a Committee that will be charged with planning this event. The Fleet Society has offered to help and assist in this endeavor in any way it can.
Finally, a post script to this update which will include pictures of our table and displays will be filed in the near future. As I write this I am in a hotel room in Vero Beach looking out over the wrecksites of the 1715 Fleet. There is much to do in the next two years. Visit our website for additional updates.
Ben Costello, 1715 Fleet Society
