Submarine
Conservation
At some
point, probably in the 1930s, previous custodians of the submarine poured
concrete into the hull in a misguided attempt to retain the vessel's overall
structure. However, it caused the hull to corrode. Extracting the concrete
has been one of the more difficult aspects of the conservation project,
but as it was poured over successive, separating layers of sheet metal and
wire mesh, the layering effect somewhat facilitated its removal. To date,
all of the concrete has been removed from the lower hull. Mechanisms used
to control the aft and forward rudders that were formerly hidden have been
exposed. Also uncovered were three gear-like objects, each approximately
one foot long, imbedded in portions of the keel. The remains of a wooden
beam running the length of the keel were also found following removal of
the concrete. Samples of the wood were sent to the US Forest Products Laboratory
for analysis. Unfortunately, the condition of the wood prevented researchers
from identifying the species.
The corrosive
effects of the concrete are dramatically visible. Large areas of the rudder
shafts have expanded from the high moister content of the cement. They are
incrusted with rust are almost twice their original size. Portions of the
keel and hull exhibit similar effects, with the lower hull missing most
of its original plating. Stabilization of these areas is now being addressed
including reinforcement of fragile areas, and a protective coating applied
to all of the artifact's parts.
Following
completion of the conservation process, the State Museum will construct
a display mount in which the submarine will be supported for exhibition.
Housed in a controlled environment, the submarine will form an integral
part of the State Museum's new Baton Rouge branch's exhibits on major events
in Louisiana history. Interpretive text and displays will illustrate the
vessel's place in the State's maritime and Civil War history.
The Azby
Fund and the Institute for Museum and Library Services awarded grants totaling
$84,400 to the Louisiana State Museum for the submarine conservation project.
Institute
of Museum and Library Services Article on this project
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