Reviews of H.L. Hunley Submarine (Museum)

James Penny

A fascinating experience for an avid Civil War Buff or just someone with a general interest in history. The museum is laid out chronologically so that you can learn about the Hunley from the time of its discovery to the preservation efforts still underway. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend the H.L. Hunley tour and museum to anyone.

Teresa Gray

Very informative and inspirational. The Tour Guides are wonderful and make the visit so much more interesting. To be able to see the actual submarine really brings everything into perspective.

Mattzk 72

Intresting, it was a free tour so really can't complain

Lilly Stanfield

Love civil war sites this was great

BigRob Martin1

Must see! Great guide and a genuine piece of history.

Danny Hoadley

I was very pleased with how much the tour guide knew. I went late on a Sunday and had the guy all to myself! I am a submariner and this is a must visit place to experience the conditions these submariners experienced in order to accomplish their mission. Truly amazing.

Andrew Alford

Wonderful place and the guides are very engaging. Nice to hear the history told from a southern point of view. Even my alma mater gets a good mention.

Thea Ellenberg

There is a very interesting Hands-On exhibit that is free to participate in. You can even go inside a replica and hand crank as though you were in the submarine. Very cool!

Steve Burt

Wow. Highly recommend seeing this if you are any kind of civil war fan or just interested in history .

L Blitz

Great historic place to visit ! You learn a lot about our country civil war

Lisa Ihnken

Such wonderful tour guides and history story! Don't miss it.

Barbara Maha

Location is out of the way. They are trying to save money to build an actual museum. This is more of a temporary holding center. Loses a star for location, otherwise a great little civil war historic site to visit.... the actual sub is still in vat solution, but you can easily see it from the viewing platform. The guides were fantastic. They had a couple of retired navy gentlemen who were colorful and some of the most entertaining and knowledgeable guides I have ever experienced. They also gave great advice on local places to eat. The sub as you walk in is just a model.

Travis Noote

A one-of-a-kind experience! Something that you have to see at least once.

Tom Jubon

Amazing restoration job, super knowledgeable volunteers

bls txi

The Hunley museum is a fascinating visit Private Tours during the week Public tours during the weekend. The last time I was here was still covered in concretions but now the whole is mostly clear and they're working on the inside. The history involved in it the technology and the overall design has similarities to its descendants up until the modern day. The fact they still don't know exactly why it sank despite no damage and everybody in their positions is fascinating

Randall McDonald

Great historical piece! Amazing conservation process!

Sonya Griffith

Very cool place to visit. Full of historical fun facts and stories, but yet still so much unknown left to uncover!

Joseph Wheatley

Clemson university has been doing a excellent job in restoring the historic submarine, at their facilities in north Charleston.

Tania Fain

Great historical place. I couldn't hear my tour guide very well but that was the only down fall. Seeing the Hunley and learning more about it was very interesting!

William Huelsewiesche

Commercially contracted weapon to stop the union.

US Merchant Marine

Awesome piece of Anerican history...wish there were more artifacts in display bur..this is a working conservation lab...not a museum.

Barry Suggs

Wonderful display of the of the artifacts and the restoration of the H.L. Hunley..... Very informative tour for us History buffs...

Cchaddie Fairchilds

There's plenty of seating both inside and out. I liked the ambiant lighting and the unique look of the place. For example, a giant fridge lined the walls in the back with every sort of drink they serve I enjoyed my meal

Christopher Mark Huttner Jr

Cool piece of American History. The first successful combat submarine! The museum outside the Hunley is an incredible Civil War museum, with artifacts found inside the submarine. How they found the submarine, how they recovered the sub from the Atlantic and how they are restoring the rust bucket. The H.L. Hunley is Charleston area must see!

aaron young

Great piece of history!! Museum is still a work in progress. Wish the viewing tank was a little better. Glad I made the stop though!

Dennis Jannetti

Gotta see this, absolutely amazing!

Robert Sullivan

Very interesting history lesson that took place over 150 years ago about the first combat submarine

Ellen Griswold

Great place to learn about history! Still so many questions left unanswered. Draws me back in more and more!

Gina Rothwell

This is a great stop for a history lover. When we moved to the area, my son learned about the Hunley, and he was so excited to visit. The history and scientific exhibits are very nicely set up. It is not a huge museum space, but there is a lot to learn and it is nicely done. The tour itself to see the Hunley was great. It was a lot of talking, without much moving around (it is a lab, so there isn't much to see except the Hunley itself), which was a bit much for my smaller children (8, 5, and 3), but we mostly went for my son, and he did love it. Great stop!

Shawn Grice

Very informative presentation, with rich factual history. Great for all ages. My 8 year old son and I really enjoyed it.

Evalyn Wallingford

So full of history & very knowledgeable staff.

Craig Waites

Civil war tour from Gettysburg to Charleston & this was the highlight but CHECK opening times in advance!

S.S. Boyd

Great narration and interesting story!!

William Mills

Tour guide was excellent and very informative! My children were super intrigued. A must for history buffs.

Dianna Brown

Very interesting place and the tour guides and workers are very friendly and helpful.

Michelle Baughman

My whole family, including a 6 and 9 year old, really enjoyed this. The museum is somewhat small but contains alot of information. You learn how the Hunley came to be and its story, the story of her final crew and what may happen in the future. You only see a few actual artifacts and, at this point in the preservation process, you can only see the submerged ship from above and from behind glass. I would have loved to have seen more but I totally understand why I couldn't and look forward to a time when that is possible. Its really very emotional to see the actual Hunley itself and know what happened to the people aboard her. Unfortunately, your time with the ship is limited. A guide takes you in to see it, tells you the story and then you can stay on the viewing platform only until the next group is ready to come in, approximately every 20-30 minutes. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Parking was available at the building. I would definitely recommend it and will return.

Renee Morton

Love the interactive museum. Our guide was very knowledgeable and told the story of these brave pioneering men.

Cheryl Monroe

Tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. Interesting piece of history.

Kim Smith

A real piece of history that's a must see if you're in Charleston. Almost a surreal feeling as you are standing so close to a piece of American history. From the tour, to the artifacts found within the Hunley, it was amazing.

Liz Rozzelle

Really beautiful exhibit and museum. It's only open for tours on weekends because it is an archeological research lab during the week. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. Seeing the Hunley in its tank is a memorable experience. Worth the trip, make a reservation today!

Anthony Konecny

Very interesting display of a significant historical artifact. Current museum is substandard. Very difficult to hear docent due to acoustics of facility and size of tour group. Once funds are available, a new museum will likely be developed.

Barrie Marsh

Great tour! Informative. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. It was interesting enough to keep my 9 year old son's attention. Loved it! I definitely recommend!!

Steve Kargman

Very cool piece of Civil War history!

Nomon Kennedy

Great Tour and very informative

Susan Lucas

About a 30-minute tour and you get to see the actual 1860's sub, brought up from the Charleston harbor 18 years ago. The museum and research are collaborations of Clemson University and the US Navy. The volunteer tour guides are really knowledgeable, passionate about the subject. Well worth the trip. Amazing story and lots of history.

Marnae Behlow

Great stop hidden away in Charleston. Very interesting tour with lots of history

Keith McFadden

Fascinating exhibit, well worth the time.

Ben Walker

Exceedingly well done tour with a great little museum as well.

Heather Hatfield

This is amazing! I was visiting Charleston in 2000 when the Hunley was raised. It's fascinating to learn about what has been recovered 18 years later! The museum is only opened on Saturday and Sunday. I highly recommend seeing this piece of history. You do have to climb 19 steps in order to see the submarine. Not sure if there is an elevator. If you have problems climbing stairs, you may want to call to find out.

Lora Goude

Frank has a wealth of knowledge about the Hunley and the museum is great!

Joyce Becwar

Intetesting but limited. The museum is full of intetesting displays and great information. The submarine itself is still being studied and preserved and is not very easy to see.

Tim Hamilton

Very interesting. Recommended.

Drew Moreaucoffey

Decent, especially if you like history. Trick is kids like 5 under free, 6-17 like 8 each, and adults 17 or so each. Liked it a lot... We did grouping for 4 kids which cost us 4 more but still ok with that.

MIchelle Smith

This is such a cool experience and story. Definitely something out of the norm but I didn't find myself bored for a single minute while I was there. They offer private tours during the week for an additional cost or public tours on the weekend.

Angelina Hendon Strobridge

Tour guide was fabulous!!! Great story telling and so very interesting!! Thank you!

Hollee Fulmer

This was so great. I took a friend as a gift and i loved the history of this submarine, and the display was amazing.

Brad Kelly

Great exhibits near this historic restoration in progress

Pampering Man

As a Submariner. I was deeply touched

Barbara Gifford

We were so impressed with this tour! The restoration process itself is simply amazing. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and informative. It’s a miracle this great piece of history was discovered , was able to be recovered, and now restored. We’re excited for future and the end result of the restoration.

Dale Townsend

A wonderful historical artifact to see. It is moving from its current location and it needs a wealthy benefactor to insure that it stays in one place for many more years. We must save this for future generations to enjoy.

Alastair McKenzie

A 'must see'! It's amazing to think what the men in that little tube went through, and the historic significance of what they achieved. I've written a full review on Mechtraveller.

Windi Fitzgerald

Very interesting. Historical and informative.

Stephen Haines

Fascinating place to visit. Even if your not a Civil War enthusiast it is well worth the visit if you are in Charleston.

H. F.

Great place. So much history. Very interactive. Can't really see the sub, but that's because it is being restored. The fact that you can view it at all during it's restoration is actually quite impressive, seeing as most restoration projects are performed privately.

Stacy Key

Loved this place & can't wait to go back!

Anchalika Kijkanakorn

Super interesting history, tales of courage, invention that is beyond time, and bravery

Trever Cochran

Awesome! I'm glad that some people are'nt trying to coverup the Civil War like it never happened!!!!

K Surber

Very historical place! It's great to see an actual piece of history being restored.

Rick Kenz

Seen H.L.Removed from water years ago great work looks terrific

Diana Warren

We first visited the Hunley in her special tank 10 years ago and just went back to Charleston this month and so went back. Ten years ago, they were really just starting the lab work and we wanted to see what else they’d learned in a decade – plus, we have a 6 year old son who’s heard us talk about it and was interested in seeing it himself. Wow! – what a difference 10 years makes! Since we were last there, they have added multiple new exhibits and the Hunley itself is now free of encrustments, meaning you can see the actual sub surface. She’s also now upright (we saw her at a 45 degree angle) and they’ve learned so much more about how she operated with all the encrustment gone. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, took great care to explain the history of the sub, show us the sub itself, and explain all the mystery surrounding the sinking. We never felt rushed. He was amazing and even walked through the museum with us to explain more.

Buck Buchanan

If you're a civil war buff or not, this is a very interesting place to visit to see what the south did to try to break the blockade that was slowly strangling Charleston and the south's ability to defeat the north. The tour and displays help show and explain what and how they were able to achieve what they did.

Donna Galloway

Our tour guide Duane did an amazing job! Very interesting!

Nicholas Ziemba

Very informative and fun for the whole family

S J

Great museum, A person can learn a lot about things not in all history books here, love the work they are doing to preserve the Hunley, I visited back in 2009 so im a little late making a review. But its a great place and will come back one day.

Dave Miller

Amazing piece of American history.

Jaclyn Ryanne

Great tour and wonderful learning museum targeted towards kids. Guides were knowledgeable.

Stephen Edwards

An amazing artifact; informative displays and a nice tour.

James Tuck

Very interesting, staff are friendly.

MrMunsters1313

Very interesting. Just wish the guide spoke louder. No one could hear him. Great history. Exciting

Larry Mack

Great tour. Very enlightening. Amazing to see the first submarine to sink an enemy ship.

Chad Nuese

Neat tour. Great piece of history. The exhibits are not elaborate but they are packed with information. Seeing the submarine is a bit haunting. The simulated sub let's people experience what it would have been like to be on board. The artifacts are interesting, but you really need the tour guide to bring it all together.

Aya Safy

I read about the submarine on the internet but i wasn't interested at all, but when i went there it was amazing, the story, data, info, sculptures, photos all was amazing.

Willa Heaberlin

Informative.

Susan Huelsewiesche

Great exhibit and tour about the history and mystery of the Hunley!

Diane T

Great history and a wonderful tour.

gloria miller

It's beautiful and so historically

L Rynhart

Great place to learn about a pivotal event in history! Had interactive activities. Well in depth tour. Couldn't go in actual Hunley, however replicas were made!! Would go back to revisit

Blanquito Chulito

Another display of Confederate innovation and brilliance. Very interesting for both the historian and naval enthusiast. Interesting exhibits in addition to the main attraction. Not your typical museum fluff. Knowledgeable staff.

Stephen Myers

Absolutely amazing piece of history.

J Howard

Incredible museum for persons interested in Civil War History and in particular Civil War naval history. Anyone who has an interest in the development of the machines of war will find the presentation interesting. It is not a museum that appears to hold the interest of small children, under eight years of age. Neither their parents nor others in same tour group enjoy the interruptions their lack of understanding cause. This was in spite of guides best effort to engage them. Buy the book. It is very well written and organized.

Samuel H

I thought it was great, and very informative. It was a very interesting tour.

Gina Arens

Over the past 14 years, we have visited the H.L. Hunley many times & always find it fascinating. I have always been a Civil War buff & my husband is former Navy, who was stationed for a time where the H.L. Hunley Museum is at, so we both enjoy seeing the progress being made. We visited again on Saturday (10/19/19) & while we were blown away by what has been done, the changes to the museum & the awesome tour guide-there was one glaring change that is so disappointing. This is a CIVIL WAR submarine, an irreplaceable piece of CONFEDERATE history & the sole reason this place exists is to preserve it & honor the men who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs, but political correctness has evidently taken hold here. There are no Confederate flags anywhere, save a very small card of the different battle flag pins by the cash register & the Confederate cause-the reason the H.L. Hunley was made, is downplayed. On previous visits, the flags were displayed proudly-I know because I have several that I had purchased there. For those of us who are proud descendants of Confederate soldiers & still hold dear what those men & flags stood for-to see a place dedicated to preserving an important part of that history fall to the p.c. crowd is disheartening, to say the least. To 'cherry pick' what parts of history you chose to present & what you chose to ignore & hide is so disrespectful to the men who died in that submarine.

Eric Gray

Great place to see a bit of history. Their restoration work on the Hunley is impressive. The tour is short and you can easily be out of there in 90 minutes.

Ed Howell

Into the civil war a must. Great visit.

Duane Carrell

Just as a note to a recent reviewer, the submarine on the sidewalk in front of the Charleston Museum is NOT the Hunley. It is what they thought the Hunley looked like before it was discovered and was built by Trident Tech students 52 years ago. The actual Hunley is smaller in diameter, MUCH sleeker, and is being preserved on the former Navy base in the Warren Lasch Center, open for weekend tours.

Ryan Martens

Small museum but big heart. The tour is pretty great and very interesting all done by volunteers.

Matthew Sechrist

Ok, this may seem a little unfair as this is a museum in an active conservation lab, but the tour is somewhat unpolished. My tour guide, while knowledgeable about the history and details of the Hunley and its current status, had a tendency to go on tangents. Outside that, some better display equipment to illustrate what the guides are talking about would be nice. That aside, this is still a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in history or naval combat. The other exhibits outside the guided tour are informative and interesting. They even have a replica where you can see how hard it was to operate. Throw in some nice souvenirs (especially for this reviewer who joined the Navy because of the history of the Hunley) and you have a complete package.

dgbertrand211

Great museum and cool history

Brooke Sansbury

I teach third grade S.C. history and this was a great place to visit to learn more about the American civil war. One of the kids favorite events of the civil war is learning about the the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy warship.

mike hangelia

Outstanding exhibit. Staff has outstanding knowledge and the tour was amazing.

Jessica Carstensen

We LOVED our visit to the Hunley. my husband watched the live news coverage when the Hunley was originally recovered and has waited for years to see it in person. The guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. He answered all of our questions and kept both our children engaged throughout the tour. Our kids actually became interested in the history of the Hunley during the tour. The museum has lots of information and relics. We would definitely visit again when we have more time to look at the museum more thoroughly.

Kathie Brennan

So much history to learn. It was a great attraction. A must do

brad solomon

Fantastic! I was in awe of this discovery of Confederate History!

Jay Brockson

Nice informative place. Great piece of history on display. Our guide was very friendly and informative. Make sure you plan other things to do if you're making a special trip.

Cathy Cole

This museum of Charleston history is a must see! The exhibit is presented in an excellent fashion with pictorial and hands on displays. I was amazed that our 3 yr. old grandson loved the museum and was genuinely interested in the mini sub and wanted to hear all about the submarine. The inside tour is spectacular, you can clearly see the submarine and the step by step process it has taken to preserve the sub. I would highly recommend visiting this museum!

E W

Okay so seeing the sub was way cool. Lots of older military veterans present and talking a lot of history. What was not cool is that they only give discounts to active military or retired military. So if someone has been in the military 10 weeks they get a discount, but spend 10 years and not retire, pay full price.

Roger NC

They have continued to upgrade the exhibits...the volunteers and tours are excellent. You can see the Hunley and see firsthand the work done on the sub. The artifacts are on display and tell the story firsthand. Merchandise in the shop are beautiful and will add to your enjoyment and help the conservation efforts. If you enjoy history or just admire the courage of the men who went to sea with her...a must see while in Charleston SC. Note: Check the hours before you go. As of this writing..Saturday and Sunday only....they work on it during week.

Carolyn Hart

What a fun place, I went as a volunteer chaperone on a field trip. I was blown away with all the knowledge provided and the fella who guided our tour really knows his stuff, and he worded in a way that kept every single 5th grader engaged and wanting more. That's not easy to do with their short time frame of focus at their ages!!! Throughly enjoyed it from start to finish!!! Great job staff!!!

Eldon Helmuth

Guide talked to quiet, need a better way so everyone can hear.

John McAllister

This is a fascinating place whether you know much about the Civil War or submarines. The guide was knowledgable and interesting. The mystery of what happened to the Hunley and its crew has not been solved, which adds to the interest. What brave men! Be aware that reservations for a tour time are needed.

Øyvind Tengesdal

A great experience to look at this very well preserved submarine. The story is quite amazing and very well presented. Well worth the visit, especially if you are interested in naval history.

Chris Peters

Very interesting piece of history. Nicely displayed.

Floyd Clontz

Worth seeing...

Philip Heard

Great place to visit if you're interested in th Civil War.

Chester Hollingsworth

I got a private tour and got to see the lab and current projects being worked on. The detail of information was so detailed. To get to step back in time and see how the first submarine that actually sunk a ship was amazing. If ever in Charleston make sure you visit here.

Michelle Fox

Well worth the time. Enjoyed very much.

Michael West

Really appreciate the History of the Huntley

Dori Dittmyre

Unique site. Awesome.

Deborah Barron Brown

A must see. My son, who lives in Charleston, was surprised he had never heard of it and he really liked it. The Hunley was the first submarine used in battle. The Confederate Hunley sunk a Union ship in the Charleston Harbor. Then the Hunley promptly sunk and was not found for 120ish yrs. It was finally found in 1995 and has been going through a slow restoration ever since. I think the history of submarine evolution is interesting. They have lots of exhibits explaining restoration, function, and battle.

David B

I had planned on seeing the Hunley and was able to pick up tickets from Groupon. This is a very good tour for anyone interested in the Hunley and the history behind it or even the restoration effort that is being undertaken by Clemons University. It is well worth the money just to see that piece of history sitting the water. Amazing.

RUSSELL HENNINGER Sr

This was a fantastic experience, I've learn more from the one on one interaction with the staff and volunteers then I could get out of any book. Thank you to Bryan for getting me on the "Charlie" tour. Dr. Lee for your insight on the how these men lived. And Bill a Vietnam Vet, who told me that wonderful story. And most of all "Charlie" who dress in period clothing and could have been there in 1864.

Kim H

Well worth visiting! So interesting!!

Gordon Rolston

Interesting to see. It will be better once restorations are complete.

Anne Hardwick

Add this to your itinerary when you visit Charleston. We spent an hour and a half reading, listening to our great, volunteer guide, and learning some unique Civil War history.

Brenda Brunner-Jackson

I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent at the Hunley restoration center. I wish we could have been there earlier before closing time to be able to see all of the exhibits. The tour was well researched and interesting.

issadontcare

The whole museum was great, very informative and well put together. We paid for two students and one adult ticket. Which cost about 37 dollars. Anyway, it was great until our guide started talking. We could not hear a WORD of what was being said. And we saw two perfectly fine microphones sitting on the table. It was so frustrating, it completely defeated the point of the tour. So angry at this "tour"

Natalia Hanson

Civil war era submarine is a proof of a spectacular scientific and military history achievement as well as multiple human tragedies location. Standing right next to it you can clearly imagine how claustrophobic it would feel inside and appreciate the crew's courage and ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is located right in front of the Charleston museum and it is a great starting point for discovery of museum's treasures.

Wes Parker

Very interesting. Museum is very nicely setup and many interactive displays.

François Guéret

FASCINATING! If you like history, you HAVE to go. And if you don't like history... Well you still have to go :-) my advice: take the guided tour, it's worth it. Enjoy!

Ashley Thurmond

One of my favorite parts of our trip to Charleston! Aaand we were there on the 155th anniversary of the sinking of the Housatonic by total accident, which completely blew my mind!

Tracey Storts

Fascinating place to visit. You get to see the actual submarine used in the Civil War. Replica allows you to go inside and understand how cramped inside it was for those men who perished inside.

John Payne

A MUST stop when in Charleston. Very Knowledgeable Staff and good exhibit displays to tell the story.

Tiffany Blackwell

Great tour and grouponing here was easy! Definitely worth it, lots of great history!

Chris S

Second time there and a few new pieces of information added. Hopefully one day the sub will be out of the water. Keep up the good work!

Amanda Ferro-Duncan

Field trip. Very interesting.

EPiXScopez

The hunleys museum is pretty great if your interested in the history If not it's not for you. Really informational and you get to see real artifacts the real hunley. I only give an imperfect score because the tour guides all talk really quietly.

Sharon Lucas

Amazing!!!! To see this more than 150 year old Confederate submarine in person is amazing. The tour guides are well informed and you learn the story behind the story. The museum is interesting. Also be sure to visit historic Magnolia Cemetary where the Hunley crew is buried.

Bert Shetler

Great tour, very educational.

Teresa Andrews

Great piece of history. Wonderful and informative tour guide.

John Houlihan-Mockoski

If you love history you should put this on places to visit.

Van White

This research center is first class. Thank you Clive Clusser and NUMA for finding our Confederate submarine!

Jennifer

Make sure you buy tickets in advance. We were turned away. It's too bad, it sounded like it would have been great.

Pam Hurst

Knowledgable tour guide, plenty of information. I loved it!

Joe Peterson

This is kind of a hidden gem in the Charleston area. You may or may not have heard about the story of the Hunley before, but the museum here really gave a great explanation and description of both the history of the Hunley’s early days and demise, as well as her rediscovery and retrieval from the harbor. I especially enjoyed hearing about the operation to raise her and the ongoing efforts to stabilize her for permanent display.

Paul Eggers

Very informative visit. You don't get to see much of the real thing but the replicas are done nicely, and they do a good job of telling the story.

Bones McNally

A fantastic look at a famous example of Civil War technologic history - from the cleaned up and opened up sub itself to the actual configuration of the spar torpedo used to sink the USS Housatonic. Lt. Dixon's (captain of the CSS Hunley) famed, inscribed $20 gold piece that saved his life at the Battle of Shiloh when it stopped a bullet is also on display.