Editing Independence Seaport Museum

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Independence Seaport Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Independence Seaport Museum at Penn's Landing
| type = Maritime museum
| address = 211 South Columbus Boulevard
| neighborhood = Penn's Landing
| coordinates = 39.9445,-75.1413
| phone = (215) 413-8655
| website = https://www.phillyseaport.org
| established = 1961
| founder = J. Welles Henderson
| director = John Brady
| collections = Maritime history, historic ships
| visitors = 100,000+ annually
| 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.<ref name="seaport">{{cite web |url=https://www.phillyseaport.org/about/ |title=About the Museum |publisher=Independence Seaport Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/independence-seaport-museum/ |title=Independence Seaport Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins ===

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 ===

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 ===

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 ==

=== USS Olympia ===

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 ===

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 ==

=== Permanent Exhibitions ===

{| class="wikitable"
! 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 ===

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 ===

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 ===

Research archives containing:
* Maritime photographs and documents
* Ship plans and models
* Port of Philadelphia records
* Family maritime papers

== Visiting the Museum ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Daily:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

=== Admission ===

* '''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 ===

* 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 ===

Note: The historic ships have limited accessibility due to ladders, hatches, and narrow passages. Museum galleries are accessible.

=== Getting There ===

* '''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 ===

* [[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 ==

=== Youth Programs ===

* Scout programs
* School field trips
* Summer camps
* Youth sailing and boating

=== Public Programs ===

* Maritime lectures
* Boat launches
* Special events on ships
* Veterans programs

=== Boat Building ===

* Youth boat-building classes
* Adult workshops
* Community build projects

== See Also ==

* [[Penn's Landing]]
* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Philadelphia Port History]]
* [[Naval History in Philadelphia]]
* [[Camden Waterfront]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phillyseaport.org Independence Seaport Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/independence-seaport-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Independence Seaport Museum - USS Olympia, USS Becuna, and Maritime History
|description=Visit the Independence Seaport Museum at Penn's Landing. Board the USS Olympia and USS Becuna, explore maritime exhibits, and discover Philadelphia's waterfront heritage on the Delaware River.
|keywords=Independence Seaport Museum, USS Olympia, USS Becuna, Penn's Landing, maritime museum Philadelphia, historic ships, Delaware River, submarine tour Philadelphia, naval history
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Penn's Landing]]
[[Category:Maritime History]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]