The year 1997 begins with renewed resolve by the Naval Historical Center and the South Carolina Hunley Commission to move ahead with planning the future of H.L. Hunley . Deputy state archaeologists Jonathan Leader and Christopher Amer met in December 1996 with both groups to discuss criteria to ensure that the archaeological recovery, conservation, curation and exhibition of the submarine will meet acceptable professional standards in the field. A working draft of requirements pertaining to the siting and construction of a facility to conduct the work was delivered to the Commission and the Navy last month. We anticipate that a Request for Proposals will be announced later this year.
Research continues on the submarine.
Scientists are still analyzing the data from the corrosion tests conducted on the hull of the Hunley but are optimistic that the hull can be recovered. Recent research involves the explosive charge and delivery system used on the vessel. No evidence of a spar was found during the assessment. For the second time since its inception the Hunley Update has been presented an award.