The Hunley has finally comes out of her shell

This material is being removed so that the conservation treatment can be completed with the hopes of ensuring the historic submarine is preserved for generations to come.  Clemson University conservators have been chiseling away this encrustation, allowing the submarine to be fully visible. During this year long process, they carefully removed approximately 1,200 pounds of concretion, roughly the same weight as a grand piano. With the exterior now completely exposed, conservators are starting this week to remove the material covering the inside of the crew compartment. With roughly a four-foot diameter, the cramped space within the Hunley will present a new set of challenges. “It is a daunting task to do this slow, detailed work in such a small space. I can’t even imagine how intimidating it must have been for the men who actually cranked the submarine,” said Clemson University Conservator and Collections Manager Johanna Rivera.Stripping away the material covering the submarine’s exterior is opening up an entire new avenue of study for archaeologists working to solve one of the 19th century’s greatest maritime mysteries: why did the Hunley vanish after sinking the USS Housatonic in 1864? Now they are attempting to read what the submarine’s original surface has to tell them. “Though the Hunley was successful in her attack, she did ultimately sink. To understand what happened that night, we need to determine what worked and what possibly did not go according to plan.” said Clemson University Archaeologist Michael Scafuri.They have already uncovered holes, scratches, damage, and other curious items that will require further research to understand their significance to the submarine’s story. As archaeologists investigate the new clues uncovered by the deconcretion, conservators will take their work into the crew compartment, hopefully uncovering more artifacts and other critical information. While the work is being done, the team constantly monitors the submarine to prevent and control corrosion as much as possible. This is a challenging task given the fragility of the cast and wrought iron structure. The Hunley was lost at sea for one-hundred- thirty-six years. During that time, salts infiltrated her iron skin and are like poison to metal. If left in open air for too long, the submarine is at risk for rapid rust, corrosion, and eventual disintegration. Usually, the submarine sits in a 75,000-gallon tank filled with a chemical treatment solution. This means conservators can only work in short intervals, wearing face masks and protective gear, while keeping the submarine wrapped in plastic to prevent too much air exposure. Though the effort to remove the concretion is a stressful and challenging time for the submarine and her modern-day crew, it is a necessary step for the survival of one of the nation’s most treasured maritime artifacts. Also, it may ultimately provide the final clues needed to reconstruct the series of events that led to both the Hunley’s naval achievement and subsequent demise.