The Hunley project has a good bit of room at the Warren Lasch Conservation Lab in North Charleston, but as the excavation nears the bottom of the sub, scientists are a little surprised by how much they have to fill it. In just the past few days, they have found a wooden tobacco pipe, a fragile tin canteen, the nub of a pencil and other brass buttons. In recent weeks, they've found a medicine bottle and more buttons. All these artifacts ensure that Paul Mardikian, the project's conservator, will have a job for some time. Mardikian will oversee the restoration of all artifacts before they are put on public display.
Restoration is one thing, though, and storage is another.
In other words, donations for artifact boxes are appreciated. The excavation is expected to continue for another 30-60 days. Learn more at the Friends of the Hunley web site Click here to send feedback. All Rights Reserved.