Independence Seaport Museum
| Type | Maritime museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 211 South Columbus Boulevard |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Penn's Landing |
| Phone | (215) 413-8655 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1961 |
| Founder | J. Welles Henderson |
| Director | John Brady |
| Hours | Daily 10 AM - 5 PM |
The Independence Seaport Museum is a maritime museum located at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River waterfront, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the maritime history of the Philadelphia region and the Delaware River. The museum features interactive exhibits, small craft collections, and two historic ships that visitors can board and explore: the USS Olympia, Admiral Dewey's flagship from the Spanish-American War, and the USS Becuna, a World War II submarine.[1]
Philadelphia's maritime heritage is central to the city's history—the Delaware River made Philadelphia one of colonial America's most important ports and continues to support international shipping today. The Independence Seaport Museum tells this story through artifacts, hands-on exhibits, and the opportunity to walk the decks of historic vessels.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Origins
[edit | edit source]The museum was founded in 1961 as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum by maritime historian J. Welles Henderson. Originally focused on preserving Philadelphia's maritime heritage through artifacts and archives, the museum has evolved to include major historic vessels.
Penn's Landing Location
[edit | edit source]The museum moved to its current location at Penn's Landing in 1995, providing waterfront access and allowing for the permanent berthing of historic ships.
Historic Ships
[edit | edit source]The museum acquired:
- USS Olympia (1996): Admiral Dewey's flagship
- USS Becuna (1996): WWII submarine
Both ships had previously been operated by the Cruiser Olympia Association.
Historic Ships
[edit | edit source]USS Olympia
[edit | edit source]The USS Olympia is a protected cruiser launched in 1892 and best known as Admiral George Dewey's flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay (May 1, 1898) during the Spanish-American War. Key facts:
- Launched: 1892 at Union Iron Works, San Francisco
- Historic moment: Dewey's order "You may fire when you are ready, Gridley"
- Later service: Returned Unknown Soldier from France (1921)
- Status: National Historic Landmark; oldest steel warship afloat
Visitors can explore multiple decks, officer's quarters, and learn about turn-of-the-century naval life.
USS Becuna
[edit | edit source]The USS Becuna (SS-319) is a Balao-class submarine that served in the Pacific during World War II:
- Launched: 1944 at Electric Boat Company
- WWII service: Five war patrols in the Pacific
- Post-war: Training and Cold War service
- Status: National Historic Landmark
Visitors can tour the submarine's cramped interior, experiencing what life was like for the 66-man crew.
Museum Exhibits
[edit | edit source]Permanent Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]| Exhibition | Focus |
|---|---|
| River Alive! | Delaware River ecosystem and wildlife |
| Workshop on the Water | Boat building and maritime crafts |
| Divers of the Deep | Underwater exploration and diving history |
| Small Craft Collection | Historic boats and watercraft |
Workshop on the Water
[edit | edit source]A hands-on boat-building center where:
- Visitors can participate in building wooden boats
- Traditional maritime crafts are demonstrated
- Youth programs teach boat-building skills
- Completed boats are launched on the river
Small Craft Collection
[edit | edit source]The museum maintains a collection of small boats:
- Philadelphia-built watercraft
- Delaware River workboats
- Recreational boats with historical significance
- Rotating displays
J. Welles Henderson Archives
[edit | edit source]Research archives containing:
- Maritime photographs and documents
- Ship plans and models
- Port of Philadelphia records
- Family maritime papers
Visiting the Museum
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Daily: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $18 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children (3-12): Approximately $14
- Members: Free
Admission includes museum galleries and both historic ships.
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Allow 2-3 hours to see everything
- Ship tours involve ladders and narrow passages
- The Olympia offers beautiful river views from the deck
- Submarine tour is fascinating but requires bending/climbing
- Combine with a walk along Penn's Landing
- Good for families with older children
Accessibility
[edit | edit source]Note: The historic ships have limited accessibility due to ladders, hatches, and narrow passages. Museum galleries are accessible.
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Bus: Routes 21, 25, 42
- RiverLink Ferry: From Camden waterfront
- Walking: 15 minutes from Old City
- Parking: Penn's Landing parking lots
Nearby Attractions
[edit | edit source]- Penn's Landing (adjacent)
- Spruce Street Harbor Park (nearby, seasonal)
- Race Street Pier (10-minute walk)
- Old City, Philadelphia (10-minute walk)
- Camden Waterfront (via ferry)
Programs
[edit | edit source]Youth Programs
[edit | edit source]- Scout programs
- School field trips
- Summer camps
- Youth sailing and boating
Public Programs
[edit | edit source]- Maritime lectures
- Boat launches
- Special events on ships
- Veterans programs
Boat Building
[edit | edit source]- Youth boat-building classes
- Adult workshops
- Community build projects
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Penn's Landing
- Delaware River
- Philadelphia Port History
- Naval History in Philadelphia
- Camden Waterfront
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About the Museum". Independence Seaport Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Independence Seaport Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025