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{{Infobox Museum
{{Infobox Museum
| name = Independence Seaport Museum
| name = Independence Seaport Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Independence Seaport Museum at Penn's Landing
| type = Maritime museum
| type = Maritime museum
| address = 211 S Columbus Boulevard
| address = 211 South Columbus Boulevard
| neighborhood = Penn's Landing
| neighborhood = Penn's Landing
| coordinates = 39.9445,-75.1413
| phone = (215) 413-8655
| phone = (215) 413-8655
| website = https://phillyseaport.org
| website = https://www.phillyseaport.org
| established = 1961
| established = 1961
| collection_size = Maritime artifacts and historic ships
| founder = J. Welles Henderson
| admission = $18 adults, $14 children
| director = John Brady
| hours = Daily 10am-5pm
| collections = Maritime history, historic ships
| public_transit = 2nd Street Station (MFL), RiverLink Ferry
| visitors = 100,000+ annually
| hours = Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
}}
}}


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>
'''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 ==
== 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.
=== Origins ===


== Historic Ships ==
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.


=== USS Olympia ===
=== Penn's Landing Location ===


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


* Protected cruiser, launched 1892
=== Historic Ships ===
* 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 museum acquired:
* '''USS Olympia''' (1996): Admiral Dewey's flagship
* '''USS Becuna''' (1996): WWII submarine


The '''USS Becuna''' (SS-319) is a World War II submarine:
Both ships had previously been operated by the Cruiser Olympia Association.


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


== Museum Exhibits ==
=== 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:


=== Permanent Exhibits ===
* '''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


* '''Divers of the Deep*** — History of diving and underwater exploration
Visitors can explore multiple decks, officer's quarters, and learn about turn-of-the-century naval life.
* '''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 ===
=== USS Becuna ===


* Ship models
The '''USS Becuna''' (SS-319) is a Balao-class submarine that served in the Pacific during World War II:
* Maritime art
* Navigation instruments
* Photographs and documents
* Small craft collection


== Programs ==
* '''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.


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


== Visiting ==
=== Permanent Exhibitions ===


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Exhibition !! Focus
|-
|-
! Detail !! Information
| '''River Alive!''' || Delaware River ecosystem and wildlife
|-
| '''Hours''' || Daily 10am-5pm
|-
| '''Admission''' || $18 adults, $14 children (includes ships)
|-
|-
| '''Address''' || 211 S Columbus Boulevard
| '''Workshop on the Water''' || Boat building and maritime crafts
|-
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 2 hours (including ships)
| '''Divers of the Deep''' || Underwater exploration and diving history
|-
|-
| '''Best for''' || History enthusiasts, families, maritime fans
| '''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 ===
=== Tips ===


* Ship tours involve ladders and tight spaces
* Allow 2-3 hours to see everything
* Olympia and Becuna are highlights—allow time
* Ship tours involve ladders and narrow passages
* Combine with Penn's Landing waterfront walk
* The Olympia offers beautiful river views from the deck
* RiverLink Ferry connects to Camden (Adventure Aquarium)
* Submarine tour is fascinating but requires bending/climbing
* Combine with a walk along Penn's Landing
* Good for families with older children


== Getting There ==
=== Accessibility ===


* '''SEPTA Subway''' — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
Note: The historic ships have limited accessibility due to ladders, hatches, and narrow passages. Museum galleries are accessible.
* '''RiverLink Ferry''' — From Camden waterfront
* '''Walking''' — On Penn's Landing waterfront
* '''Parking''' — Penn's Landing garages, some street parking


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
=== Getting There ===


{{FAQ
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 21, 25, 42
|q1=Can you tour ships at the Independence Seaport Museum?
* '''RiverLink Ferry:''' From Camden waterfront
|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.
* '''Walking:''' 15 minutes from Old City
* '''Parking:''' Penn's Landing parking lots


|q2=What is the USS Olympia?
=== Nearby Attractions ===
|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?
* [[Penn's Landing]] (adjacent)
|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.
* [[Spruce Street Harbor Park]] (nearby, seasonal)
* [[Race Street Pier]] (10-minute walk)
* [[Old City, Philadelphia]] (10-minute walk)
* [[Camden Waterfront]] (via ferry)


|q4=What else is at Penn's Landing?
== Programs ==
|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.
 
}}
=== 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 ==
== See Also ==
Line 119: Line 173:
* [[Penn's Landing]]
* [[Penn's Landing]]
* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Old City]]
* [[Philadelphia Port History]]
* [[Naval History in Philadelphia]]
* [[Camden Waterfront]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 126: Line 182:
== External Links ==
== External Links ==


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


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Independence Seaport Museum - Maritime History and Historic Ships in Philadelphia
|title=Independence Seaport Museum - USS Olympia, USS Becuna, and Maritime History
|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.
|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 ships, naval history
|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
|type=Article
}}
}}


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

Latest revision as of 21:12, 30 December 2025

Independence Seaport Museum



TypeMaritime museum
Address211 South Columbus Boulevard
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodPenn's Landing
Phone(215) 413-8655
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1961
FounderJ. Welles Henderson
DirectorJohn Brady
HoursDaily 10 AM - 5 PM
Independence Seaport Museum(215) 413-8655211 South Columbus BoulevardPhiladelphiaPAUS

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]

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]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "About the Museum". Independence Seaport Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Independence Seaport Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
[edit | edit source]
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