With two partners, the Hawley's pooled their savings and bought equipment . They began work on November 13 , 1988 . Many difficulties had to be overcome ground water rushed in to the hole they dug, as did the muddy sides of the hole. Several pumps stopped the hole from filling up with water, the problem which had defeated previous salvage attempts.
After three weeks, a barrel was uncovered , and inside if was beautiful China . Over the next few months, the team brought up a huge number of items, including guns, clothes and medicines. Five million beads intended for trading with Indian tribes were found. Everything was perfectly preserved because the mud had kept out oxygen.
When the team decided to open their own museum, some people thought they were crazy. They worked hard and got advice from top experts around the world on how to clean and preserve their finds. They obtained bank loans, and in 1991the museum opened. It is very successful , attracting about 150000 visitors a year . The Hawley's work full-time in their museum an its laboratory.
They have achieved what seemed impossible: salvaging a buried ship and transforming their lives with their own museum.