Deutches U-Boat Museum and Archive

In my Junior year of High School I read a book called Shadow Divers about a group of divers who found a mysterious U-boat off the coast of NJ. After years of searching the wreck and doing research on land they were able to identify it as U-869. I took a strong liking to this book and even watched a movie mentioned in the book called Das Boot, and wrote a paper on the book. My paper was on proving that the divers work could be considered archaeology instead of looting. 

The original divers, as part of their research looked for help from Horst Bredow, a World War II U-Boat Navy Veteran, and his archive. Since I've been studying in Italy and felt a connection with the book, I knew that during my week break after school I'd have to visit. So I set about doing travel research and emailing the museum asking if I could tour, and we set up a date. 

Horst Bredow and I in the Archive

When I first arrived I couldn't believe that I had made it, I've never followed through on a book or idea like this before and it was really important to me. I was excited to see the whole museum and some of the U-869 artifacts on display. I was the only patron there that day and got a personal tour from one of the volunteers. It was really incredible all the objects they had. A lot of it was donated by veterans or their family's after they passed. I also got to see some artifacts pulled from U-869 including the identifying artifacts. 

Outside the Museum Building

I'm so happy that I could visit the museum, and Germany in general. I'll certainly miss this country and I can't wait for the day when I can return. This has been a truly incredible experience and I'm so glad I could make the trip and experience it to my fullest.