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Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 3pm

Friends of the Hunley

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Friends of the Hunley

06/06/2026

Today is D-Day, when Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most consequential operations that helped bring about the end of World War II.

Did you know the Hunley and D-Day share a remarkable connection? It begins in New Orleans.

That’s where Higgins boats were designed and built. These innovative landing craft helped carry troops from sea to shore across open beaches. Decades earlier, New Orleans also helped launch the line of submarine experiments that eventually led to the H. L. Hunley. ⚓

The Hunley was the third in that bold chain of innovation, following the Pioneer and American Diver. Each design pushed the limits of what was possible on the water, leading to the first successful combat submarine in history.

🌊 On D-Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served that day and remember how history has often turned on innovation, determination, and bravery, from beneath the waves to the beaches of Normandy. 🌊

05/29/2026

⚓ Big news for a small submarine. ⚓

The Hunley was recently recognized as one of South Carolina’s most iconic inventions.

In 1864, this hand-cranked submarine changed naval history when it became the first submarine to sink an enemy warship in combat.

Bold. Dangerous. Unlike anything the world had seen before.

More than 160 years later, the Hunley is still one of South Carolina’s most remarkable innovation stories.

Come see the submarine that made history beneath the waves. 🌊

05/19/2026

⚓ Southern Living magazine says the Hunley is a Charleston “do not miss” and we have to agree! ⚓
Tucked just beyond downtown Charleston is one of the most remarkable artifacts in American history: the world’s first successful combat submarine. The Hunley vanished in 1864 after changing naval warfare forever and remained lost beneath the waves for 131 years.

Now, her story continues through archaeology, conservation, and the enduring mystery of what happened that night.

Come see why the Hunley belongs on your must-visit list.

🎟️ Plan your visit at Hunley.org

05/06/2026

Today, we remember Ted Turner: a visionary, a storyteller, a lover of history, and a true friend to the Hunley.

Ted served on our nonprofit board and believed deeply in the power of history to inspire. Through his passion, energy, and support, he helped bring the Hunley’s story to a national audience with TNT’s movie The Hunley, introducing millions to the courage, sacrifice, and mystery surrounding the world’s first successful combat submarine.

Those who knew Ted remember his larger-than-life presence and boundless enthusiasm for discovery. He understood that the past is not something to be forgotten. It is something to be preserved, studied, and honored.

His impact on media was extraordinary, but to us, his love of history and belief in this mission will always be part of his legacy.

Rest in peace, Ted. Thank you for helping the world know the Hunley.

05/03/2026

⚓ Found after 131 years beneath the waves!

Generations searched for the Hunley after she vanished in 1864, just after making world history as the first successful combat submarine.

It wasn’t until modern technology caught up that the mystery came closer to the surface. On this day in 1995, Clive Cussler and his NUMA team located the H.L. Hunley off the coast of Charleston, launching a whole new chapter in her story.

Her discovery was only the beginning. Since then, archaeologists, conservators, historians, scientists, and volunteers have worked to uncover her secrets and preserve her incredible story for future generations.

Come visit the Hunley museum and dive into history with us! 🌊

04/30/2026

They give up their weekends to bring history to life. ⚓

Our volunteer guides are the heart of the Hunley experience, sharing the story, answering questions, and helping preserve this incredible piece of history for future generations.

We are celebrating them with Volunteer Appreciation Week.

We are grateful for their time, passion, and dedication to keeping the Hunley’s story alive.
The next time you visit the Hunley, be sure to tell them thank you.

04/11/2026

It’s National Submarine Day.

Before the Silent Service, there was a hand-cranked vessel and the courage to descend into the unknown.

The Hunley was the first to dive into history.

Today, we remember her and all who have served beneath the waves. ⚓️��

04/08/2026

⚓ What happened to the Hunley after its historic victory?

This special talk has been rescheduled for tomorrow night, and you won’t want to miss it.
Join Friends of the Hunley volunteer Jamie Lundy as he explores one of the greatest mysteries in American maritime history. Discover the incredible story of the H.L. Hunley—the world’s first successful combat submarine—and how it changed naval warfare forever.

📅 April 9, 2026
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Charleston County Public Library – Main Library @ 68 Calhoun Street

“Lost After Victory: The Unsolved Story of the Hunley” is free and open to the public. Bring a friend!

04/02/2026

These binoculars, recovered from the Hunley during excavation of the crew compartment and belonging to its captain, reveal the remarkable transformation made possible through conservation.

What do you think they once saw during the Civil War?

04/01/2026

We will be closed on Easter Sunday so our staff and volunteers can spend the holiday with family.

We ARE open as usual on Saturday, and it is the perfect time to bring your friends and family to explore the Hunley’s story and the enduring mystery surrounding her disappearance. From groundbreaking innovation to the artifacts uncovered during excavation, there is something here to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. Our interactive exhibits make it a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

We hope to see you Saturday.

Address

1250 Supply Street
North Charleston, SC
29405

Opening Hours

Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

+18437434865

Website

http://www.hunley.org/

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