History of Diving Museum Lecture Explores German U-Boats in the Florida Keys

German submarines prowled Florida Keys waters during World War II, sinking ships and testing coastal defenses in episodes that were deliberately kept from the public and have since faded from collective memory. Dr. Corey Malcom brought that buried history to the surface Wednesday night at the History of Diving Museum's "Immerse Yourself! German U-Boats in the Keys" lecture, part of the museum's ongoing Immerse Yourself series.

Malcom's presentation covered the deadly activities of the submarines, the battles waged against them, and the physical reminders of their presence that persist in the Keys today. The lecture was the centerpiece of an evening that opened with a Member Mingle from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m., where light refreshments were served and attendees got a preview of upcoming museum programs. The lecture was streamed live via Zoom for those unable to attend in person and will be posted to the History of Diving Museum's YouTube channel for anyone who missed it.

Malcom is the Lead Historian for the Florida Keys History Center, a section of the Monroe County Public Library whose mission centers on exploring, preserving, promoting, and making accessible the history of Monroe County. His credentials run deep beneath the surface: the University of Huddersfield in England awarded him a doctorate for his research into the Santa Clara, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1564. Beyond archival work, he has conducted underwater archaeological investigations of submerged historical sites throughout the Keys, giving him firsthand knowledge of what survives below the waterline.

The evening also carried a community-building dimension. Museum members who brought new signups, and new members who enrolled on the spot, received a free gift. The membership push was paired with a chance to see the museum's current exhibit, "Dive Into Art: Stories from the Sea," before it closes April 15. The display features work from Keys students and the Art Guild of the Purple Isles, each piece inspired by nautical tales from around the world, with many available for purchase.

The March 18 lecture was sponsored by Bill and Janne Wissel and the Newton Family. Registration for future Immerse Yourself events is available at divingmuseum.org.