Friends of the Hunley

08/08/2026

Twenty-six years ago today was the day the H. L. Hunley came home. ⚓

On August 8, 2000, she broke the surface for the first time in 136 years. Her recovery was an extraordinary moment in history but it was not the end of the journey. It marked the beginning of an unprecedented conservation effort, driven by innovation, discovery and a commitment to preserving the Hunley’s story for generations to come. 🔍

Today, we celebrate the remarkable feat of bringing her home and the continuing work to unlock the mysteries she carried with her from the past.

08/03/2026

⚓ History is meant to be explored, and this weekend, kids tour FREE at the Hunley!

Education and discovery are at the heart of the Hunley story, and we want young visitors to experience both for themselves.

In honor of the anniversary of the Hunley’s recovery, kids receive free tours on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9.

Bring the family to see the world’s first successful combat submarine up close and discover the remarkable story of its history, recovery, and ongoing conservation.

🔎 Come curious. Leave inspired.

07/21/2026

🐾 It's the Dog Days of Summer!

Meet Hunley, Dixon, and Hunley—three pups whose names were inspired by the H.L. Hunley and the remarkable story that continues to capture hearts more than 160 years later.

Do you have a pet with a Hunley-inspired name? We'd love to meet them! Share a photo in the comments and tell us their story.

We can't wait to see your four-legged crew! ❤️🐶

07/04/2026

For two and a half centuries, our nation’s story has been shaped by courage, sacrifice, innovation, and the people willing to step into the unknown.

The Hunley is one chapter in that larger American story. Lost beneath the waves for more than a century and recovered for future generations, she reminds us that history is never just something we read about. It is something we continue to uncover, preserve, and learn from.

As America looks back on 250 years, we are proud to help protect one of its remarkable stories for future generations.

Happy 250th, America!

06/29/2026

Okay, this is adorable. ⚓🧱 We love seeing the Hunley inspire creativity in all forms, including in Lego. Take a look!

Did you know the first successful submarine attack happened in the ...

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! 🌊