Charleston's Maritime Legacy

Nautical history buffs, particularly those in the Southeast, should be delighted to learn of the fledgling Charleston Harbor Society. Diane Scher and Bill Thomas-Moore, owners of Ship Shapes Maritime Museum Gallery on Queen Street, are spearheading the effort to educate the public about the rich legacy of the South Carolina port city. "There is no port in the United States that can equal the history we have here," Bill says. Founded in 1670, Charleston has been the scene of pirate attacks and important Revolutionary and Civil War battles. It was there that the famous H.L. Hunley submarine sank and, several years ago, was salvaged intact from the muddy harbor bottom.

To get on the society's e-mail list, contact Diane at Shipshapes05@aol.com or CHSharborsociety@aol.com. A Web site is under development: www.charlestonharborsociety.com.