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{{Infobox Museum
| name = Independence Seaport Museum
| type = Maritime museum
| address = 211 S Columbus Boulevard
| neighborhood = Penn's Landing
| phone = (215) 413-8655
| website = https://phillyseaport.org
| established = 1961
| collection_size = Maritime artifacts and historic ships
| admission = $18 adults, $14 children
| hours = Daily 10am-5pm
| public_transit = 2nd Street Station (MFL), RiverLink Ferry
}}

The '''Independence Seaport Museum''' is a maritime museum at [[Penn's Landing]] on the Delaware River waterfront. The museum explores Philadelphia's maritime heritage through exhibits and two National Historic Landmark ships: the cruiser ''USS Olympia'' and the submarine ''USS Becuna''.<ref name="seaport">{{cite web |url=https://phillyseaport.org |title=Independence Seaport Museum |publisher=Independence Seaport Museum |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

The museum originated as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum in 1961. It moved to its current Penn's Landing location in 1995, becoming the Independence Seaport Museum and incorporating the historic ships at the adjacent pier.

== Historic Ships ==

=== USS Olympia ===

The '''USS Olympia''' (C-6) is the museum's centerpiece:

* Protected cruiser, launched 1892
* Flagship of Commodore George Dewey
* Led the victory at the Battle of Manila Bay (1898)
* Oldest steel American warship still afloat
* National Historic Landmark
* Visitors can tour multiple decks

=== USS Becuna ===

The '''USS Becuna''' (SS-319) is a World War II submarine:

* Guppy-class fleet submarine
* Served in Pacific Theater, WWII
* Completed five war patrols
* Cold War service
* National Historic Landmark
* Tours include tight submarine quarters

== Museum Exhibits ==

=== Permanent Exhibits ===

* '''Divers of the Deep*** — History of diving and underwater exploration
* '''Workshop on the Water''' — Boat building and maritime crafts
* '''Home Port Philadelphia*** — City's maritime history
* '''What Floats Your Boat*** — Hands-on exhibits for children

=== Collections ===

* Ship models
* Maritime art
* Navigation instruments
* Photographs and documents
* Small craft collection

== Programs ==

* Boat building workshops
* Youth sailing programs
* Educational tours
* River cruises (seasonal)
* Special exhibitions

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Daily 10am-5pm
|-
| '''Admission''' || $18 adults, $14 children (includes ships)
|-
| '''Address''' || 211 S Columbus Boulevard
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 2 hours (including ships)
|-
| '''Best for''' || History enthusiasts, families, maritime fans
|}

=== Tips ===

* Ship tours involve ladders and tight spaces
* Olympia and Becuna are highlights—allow time
* Combine with Penn's Landing waterfront walk
* RiverLink Ferry connects to Camden (Adventure Aquarium)

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA Subway''' — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
* '''RiverLink Ferry''' — From Camden waterfront
* '''Walking''' — On Penn's Landing waterfront
* '''Parking''' — Penn's Landing garages, some street parking

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=Can you tour ships at the Independence Seaport Museum?
|a1=Yes, admission includes tours of two National Historic Landmark ships: the cruiser USS Olympia (1892) and the WWII submarine USS Becuna. Both are berthed at the pier adjacent to the museum and offer self-guided tours.

|q2=What is the USS Olympia?
|a2=The USS Olympia is a protected cruiser launched in 1892, famous as Commodore George Dewey's flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898. It's the oldest steel American warship still afloat and a National Historic Landmark.

|q3=Is the submarine tour at Seaport Museum claustrophobic?
|a3=The USS Becuna tour involves moving through narrow passages and hatches typical of WWII submarines. Those uncomfortable in tight spaces may want to skip the submarine, but many visitors find it a highlight. The Olympia cruiser is more spacious.

|q4=What else is at Penn's Landing?
|a4=Penn's Landing is a waterfront area with seasonal attractions including Spruce Street Harbor Park (summer), Blue Cross RiverRink (winter), and various events. The RiverLink Ferry connects to Camden's Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Penn's Landing]]
* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Old City]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://phillyseaport.org Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Independence Seaport Museum - Maritime History and Historic Ships in Philadelphia
|description=The Independence Seaport Museum at Penn's Landing features maritime exhibits and tours of USS Olympia and USS Becuna, two National Historic Landmark ships.
|keywords=Independence Seaport Museum, USS Olympia, USS Becuna, Penn's Landing, maritime museum, Philadelphia ships, naval history
|type=Article
}}

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

Independence Seaport Museum - Revision history

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