
Filippo Ronca, MA
Underwater Archaeologist
Filippo received his Honours Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University in 1992 in Classical Studies followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology from the University of Calgary in 1995. In 1996, Filippo attended East Carolina University for his Master of Arts in Maritime History and Nautical Archaeology completing his thesis on the Historical and Archaeological Investigation of the Selah Chamberlain: A Nineteenth-Century Great Lakes Bulk Carrier. From 1999 to 2000, Filippo worked for the Historic Preservation Section of the Wisconsin Historic Society as the Assistant State Underwater Archaeologist, where he worked on protecting and presenting the States’ submerged cultural resources.
Filippo first became involved with Parks Canada as a volunteer in 1995 and 1996, supporting the Underwater Archaeology Team and the Historical and Archaeological Conservation Section of Parks Canada at Mnjikaning Fish weirs /Atherley Narrows NHS and Fathom Five National Marine Park. This professional experience led to short term employment with the Underwater Archaeology Team in 2000 and 2001. From 2002 to 2007, Filippo held the positions of underwater archaeologist within Parks Canada’s national team of eight underwater archaeologists and two underwater archaeology technicians. His principal duties included: underwater archaeological fieldwork including inventory surveys, assessments, and excavations; submerged cultural resource management planning advice for National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas, and National Historic Sites of Canada; public outreach and education; archaeological and historical research in support of Underwater Archaeology Team projects; and expert advice on underwater archaeology to various levels of government and Parks Canada partners throughout Canada. In 2007, Filippo became a Senior Underwater Archaeologist at Parks Canada. In addition to his archaeological responsibilities Filippo was also the Dive Officer for UAT, responsible for overseeing the safe diving operations of the team. As the UAT’s lead for the Monitoring of Submerged Cultural Resources within Parks Canada, Filippo has directed associated projects in Red Bay NHS, Fortress of Louisbourg NHS, Fathom Five National Marine Park, Battle of Restigouche NHS, and Mnjikaning Fish Weirs /Atherley Narrows NHS.
During his 17 years at Parks Canada Filippo directed several other underwater archaeological projects at the Trent-Severn Waterway, Pacific Rim NMPR, Red Bay NHS, and Fathom Five NMP. During his work along the Trent and the Rideau Canal Filippo also developed considerable expertise in preserving submerged cultural resources of the waterways and supporting Parks Canada’s Federal Infrastructure Program. Filippo places Matrix Heritage in the unique position of having an in-house, certified commercial diver who is also a highly experienced underwater archaeologist. This will ensure the best protection for archaeological resources, and a very high calibre final archeological product.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
With other Firms: 19
EDUCATION
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M.A. 2006, Maritime History – Underwater Archaeology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
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B.A. 2005, Archaeology,
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University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
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B.A. (Hons) 2002, Classical Studies Queens University, Kingston, ON
LICENCE/ PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
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Ontario Archaeological Society
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