A Global Naval Force
Hydra, a modest rocky island in the Saronic Gulf, holds a place in global maritime history that far exceeds its geographical size. The island's naval power served as a benchmark for the British Admiralty, Napoleon's admirals, and the Ottoman leadership. The Arvanite captains of Hydra, initially masters of sails and later steam engines, achieved incredible success on the seas, associating the island's name with glory and prestige.
The Founding and Benefactors of the Museum
The tradition of Greek philanthropy was mobilised to preserve this rich material heritage and the nation's struggles. The mayor and doctor, Antonios Lignos, dedicated his life to cataloguing the invaluable Hydra Archive, while shipowner Gikas Koulouras provided the original building. Since 1996, the museum has operated in a modern building, serving as a model centre for research and culture that welcomes numerous visitors daily.
Invaluable Artefacts and Exhibits
A panorama of Greece's maritime heritage unfolds across the museum’s two floors of the museum. The collection includes impressive figureheads, flags, weaponry from the Greek Revolution, uniforms and relics from the Balkan and World Wars. Among the exhibits are the Charta (map) of Rigas, the personal belongings of Admiral Pavlos Koundouriotis, and, as a most sacred relic, the silver urn that holds the embalmed heart of Andreas Miaoulis.
A Living Cultural Organisation
The archive and the updated library of the Foundation are a treasure trove for historical research, covering the period from the 18th to the 19th century through official and private documents. At the same time, the Museum remains a vibrant organisation, hosting the ‘Hydra Cultural Summer’ with a multitude of events, ranging from conferences to concerts. Particular mention should be made of the effort to preserve the naval tradition through the vessel ‘ELENI P.’, which is intended to become the first public floating naval museum in Greece, confirming the enduring commitment of the Historical Archives - Museum of Hydra to promoting Greek seafaring.