Dive-in and support exciting change at the Diving Museum

My name is Kevin Casey and I am the Diving Museum Director. As a former career saturation diver and long time Trustee of the Historical Diving Society, I am asking if you will support us as we seek essential funding to develop the Diving Museum.

Since we established the Diving Museum in Gosport, in 2011, it has been opened to visitors from all over the world by our knowledgeable volunteers and diving enthusiasts. Its role in preserving the county’s rich diving history and educating the public about the joys and challenges of diving is something I feel passionate about: and it is why I’m heading this appeal to develop the Museum.

This year we closed for extensive conservation work to our damp Grade II* listed building. We aim to return to the site in 2025 with new displays that bring the history, development and story of Diving alive – appealing to all visitors, from the diving specialist to local families looking for fun.

At the end of July The National Heritage Lottery Fund announced their support for the project at 78% of the costs. We are now trying to raise the remainder.

Mike O’Meara, Chair of HDS, says, “We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Fund. It is a positive endorsement of our plans for new displays and activities that allow the Museum to take its place as the UK’s leading museum exploring the history of diving.”

It's been an amazing roller-coaster ride to get this far. But, we can’t stop here – we need to raise the rest of the match funding!

Your support will really make a difference in delivering the redevelopment of the Diving Museum. We appreciate that times are tough for many, but your contribution, however large or small to this appeal will make a big difference. Please help us today.