Museum

Research Library

Research Library

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Library USS Bowfin Submarine Museum maintains an extensive collection of submarine-related photographs, manuals, and monographs, covering topics such as World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, naval history, underwater archaeology, submarine design, and general submarine history. We also have a nearly complete set of World War II submarine war patrol reports, both in the original hard copy and in digital format. Each of the nearly 700 submarines commissioned by the U.S. Navy has a file in our archives.

Our non-lending library and archives are open by appointment to qualified researchers, submariners, and their families. The library is open by from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Call (808) 423-1341, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule your research visit.

Secrets of the Sub

The Very First Sub Ever

The First Submarine Ever

There were many countries around the world developing submarines in the 17th and 18th century both for wartime use and for commercial purposes. In the United States, we say the Turtle, developed by a Yale University professor, David Bushnell, was our first submarine. Designed to deliver an underwater mine with a timed fuse, it's original purpose was to break the blockade of the British Navy in New York harbor in 1776, during the War of Independence. Almost a hundred later the Confederate States Ship Hunley with a crew of nine men braved the waters of Charleston, South Carolina harbor to attack and sink the Union Ship USS Housitanic. The weapon used was a mine mounted on a spar jutting from the bow of the submarine. Again, the purpose was to break the blockade of a harbor but within 40 years, the United States started the submarine explosion with the Simon Lake, SS-1, in 1900 , designed as a scouting ship for America's emerging battle fleets. In less than 20 years, the first world war would see the island nation of Great Brritain brought to her knees by German commerce raiding submarines and submarines , large and small being developed by many nations.