We are working to save the Hunley, the artifacts found within and build a submarine naval museum where our nation’s story under the waves can be told for generations to come.

On February 17th, 1864, the H. L. Hunley became the first successful combat submarine in world history with the sinking of the USS Housatonic. After completing her mission, she mysteriously vanished and …

During her test missions in Charleston, the Hunley suffered two fatal sinkings that would claim the lives of over a dozen men, including Horace Hunley himself.

Visit the Hunley and see the world’s first combat submarine along with amazing artifacts found onboard during excavation of the crew compartment. It is a unique experience that covers three centuries of …

The Hunley Project is conducted through a partnership with Friends of the Hunley, the South Carolina Hunley Commission, Clemson University Restoration Institute, Naval History and Heritage …

When Anderson refused, the next day at 4:30 AM, Beauregard ordered his forces at the Charleston battery to open fire onto Fort Sumter. After two days of heavy bombardment, Fort Sumter …

We are closer to discovering the cause for the Hunley’s disappearance, but there is still no clear explanation. Here, we have a listing of the evidence collected and some possible theories to explain …

Now that the Hunley was safe, the work of learning her secrets could begin. The groundbreaking excavation of the Hunley’s crew compartment unearthed rare 19th century artifacts, including a gold …

Historical Records: Some historical evidence suggests the Hunley did not sink immediately after the attack and light, perhaps in the forms of signals, was seen by both Union and Confederate sources.

The Hunley is a unique artifact, and very few maritime objects with such an intricate and complex construction have ever been conserved. Years of research, testing, and planning went into …