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January 22, 2003       

 Negativity on Hunley belittles its status as world-class project

BY GLENN MCCONNELL

Recent criticisms of the Hunley project by a reader deserve response. First, the Hunley project is not another monument to government ineptitude but rather a national treasure to American ingenuity, bravery and sacrifice. It represents our legacy that people in the defense of or pursuit of freedom, as they perceive it, will put aside the element of fear to answer the call of duty. Additionally, her recovery is an international technological feat and her conservation so scientifically complex and novel that the multinational recovery, archaeology and conservation team have set the bar worldwide in these areas. Like a gift from the past, the Hunley, having escaped the jaws of time, comes back to a grateful people to remind us and those that follow that freedom does not come easy for any generation, and that freedom's continued preservation will require that same type of sacrifice.

Contrary to the reader's assertion that we have spurned a private offer because we wish to maintain control, we did so because they wanted to remove the Hunley from Charleston. His entire dialogue belittles this project and questions the wisdom and motives of those of us involved.

The Hunley was recovered ahead of schedule and below budget. Hundreds of citizens have freely volunteered their time each week to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to conserve her. Thousands of visitors have come to Charleston to view her. These visitors have spent their money in our gas stations, hotels and restaurants. In a warehouse on a closed Navy base, only opened a day and half each week, the Hunley has proven she is a sought-after attraction. The Hunley has been the subject of national and international press coverage because her story interests people from across the nation and around the world. The project has also won national awards for conservation and preservation.

The last leg of the Hunley's journey home is to a world-class facility where visitors can view the Hunley and her crew through the eyes of those who manned her on her historic mission, allowing people to see and understand the sacrifice these men made. This resting place also will be a place where people, through virtual reality, can learn the sciences of archaeology, conservation, hydrodynamics and forensics, as well as learning about the maritime history of our country and how the Hunley was, in so many ways, ahead of her time. The Hunley, built like no other boat in the 19th century, will be joined with the Peery collection, an unparalleled 19th century maritime collection that would not even be available today to a museum for tens of millions of dollars. This unique and unsurpassed facility, in an emotional and educational experience, will pass on the American legacy that honor, courage and valor endure forever. All of this will ensure its long-term sustainability. So the Hunley is not some "little pet project" but instead a world-class one that deserves a vision for the future as well as our thanks to all the volunteers who have helped to get it where it is. That is why we should not sell it short.

The facility, based on expert projections, will likely cost over $30 million and perhaps as much as $40 million, and there is nothing wrong with our being upfront about the true costs. The public deserves frankness ó not a gloss over. Additionally it does not take a rocket scientist to conclude that the gracious offers of $4-1/2, $7 and $11 million will not get the project to the finish line. No one is being greedy, just honest. What we need is a partner that will make the Hunley Museum its No. 1 development project and bring to the table the talent to help identify and pursue the federal and private funds available to rightfully showcase this national treasure in our community. We are not asking for a handout but rather a helping hand to the finish line.

This challenge will require a unified effort. However, based on the belittling and misinformed remarks of three Charleston city councilmen, it appears unlikely there will be unified support from the city of Charleston; and the strange criticism of a North Charleston councilman that his city is being held hostage, thankfully, is minimized by the statesman-like approach of Councilman Kurt Taylor, who wanted to know what other type of resourceful efforts we might be looking for in order to successfully finish the project. Mount Pleasant has largely remained positive.

If a Hunley Maritime Museum is to be built, it should only be done in a fashion that allows it to be self-supporting and an economic asset to the community and not a liability to the taxpayer. Setting our goal that high brings criticisms from those who have other objectives, but the public benefits more when we strive for the best.

Otherwise, the public is better served by leaving the Hunley safely where she is until we can do it right.

Glenn McConnell is president pro tempore of the S.C. Senate and chairman of the Hunley Commission.

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