Remembering the Day the Hunley was Raised
When the Hunley broke the water’s surface off the coast of Charleston on August 8th, 2000, the world watched history rise from the depths. For those who witnessed it—whether from the decks of nearby boats, on television, or years later through photos and film—it was a moment to remember.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the raising, Friends of the Hunley invited people to share their memories of that remarkable day. The response was inspiring.
Some remembered standing shoulder to shoulder with family as the submarine made her homecoming journey. Others recalled watching the live broadcast, unaware that the sight of the Hunley breaking the surface would ignite a lifelong passion for history. Together, these memories remind us how one extraordinary event continues to connect and inspire people a quarter century later.
These are a few of their stories:
A Spark for History: Alden Jones
At just ten years old, Alden Jones watched the Hunley’s story unfold on television and was captivated. Years later, the discovery of the gold coin confirmed the legend he had grown up hearing about from his father. Now 35 and working in the field of history, Alden credits that day—and his dad’s love of the past—for sparking a lifelong passion.
An Anniversary to Remember: Clinton Norton
In August 2000, Clinton Norton and his wife were in Charleston celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary when they saw news coverage of the Hunley’s recovery. Intrigued, they spent the evening watching the story unfold and were soon captivated by the submarine’s remarkable history. They have returned to Charleston many times since to follow the Hunley’s ongoing preservation.
“We were in Charleston celebrating our 13th anniversary when we first learned about the Hunley. Now, 25 years later, we’re celebrating 38 years and still drawn to her story.”
— Clinton Norton
From the Other Side of the World: Bo Schupp
Even half a world away, the Hunley’s recovery reached those who called Charleston home. In 2000, Bo Schupp, a proud Charleston native and United States Air Force commander stationed in South Korea, stayed up through the night to watch the submarine’s historic raising on the Armed Forces News channel.
As the Hunley was lifted from the sea and escorted into Charleston Harbor, Bo briefed his staff on the event, a proud moment shared from thousands of miles away. We are grateful for his service and for reminding us that the Hunley’s story was celebrated around the world.
A Designer’s Dream Realized: Gerald T.
On recovery day, Gerald T. boarded the Spirit of Charleston as one of the invited guests. His connection to the submarine stretched back decades. He had helped design the replica now displayed at the Charleston Museum. As the Hunley broke the surface after 136 years, sirens and whistles filled the air.
We remain grateful for Gerald’s decades of dedication to preserving the Hunley’s story.
A Family’s Memory: Jerry Phillips
On August 8, 2000, Jerry Phillips traveled to Charleston with his wife, Susan, and his parents, Mary and T. W., to witness the Hunley’s historic return. His father, still recovering from heart surgery, refused to miss the moment. Years later, Jerry discovered a box filled with every Hunley article he had ever sent his dad—a bittersweet reminder of his father’s devotion and the day they shared together.
“My Dad was still recovering from heart surgery, but he didn’t want to miss the Hunley’s homecoming. That day we shared together is something I’ll never forget.”
— Jerry Phillips
Witness to History: John Gaskey
Charter member John Gaskey drove from North Carolina to witness the recovery of the Hunley. After watching the live broadcast at a hotel, he joined hundreds aboard the USS Yorktown as re-enactors fired salutes and the submarine made her way into Charleston Harbor. We are thankful for members like John who have supported the Hunley mission for 25 years.
“Bringing the Hunley and her crew home transformed the story from an obscure footnote to one of the most spellbinding chapters in Civil War history,”
— John Gaskey
A Father-Daughter Moment: Bill and Whitney Stamey
Lifelong Civil War enthusiasts Bill and Whitney Stamey first learned about the Hunley in Charlotte and soon joined Friends of the Hunley. On August 8, 2000, Bill took the day off work, checked Whitney out of summer camp, and drove to Charleston. From the rocks at Fort Moultrie, they watched the Hunley rise and pass close by, an unforgettable sight later captured on the Charlotte Observer’s front page. We’re grateful to the Stamey family for their lasting support, from witnessing the raising to serving as 2025 Friends of the Hunley Annual Oyster Roast sponsors.
