Archived News

For more information on these or other news releases contact:
Tania Karpinich, Public Relations Manager, at 215.413.8631, or through e-mail.

Museum Closes Historic Ships For Restoration
Advance Screening of The Science Channel's, Hunt for the USS Alligator: The Navy's First Sub
Thomas Hoyne Exhibit of Marine Art
WHYY Radio's Morning Edition Comes to the Seaport Museum
Seaport Museum Launches Scholarship Program
In Memoriam: G. Fred DiBona, Jr.
Seaport Museum To Host Congressional Hearing
FOX 29's Sue Serio To Deliver Weather From Seaport Museum
Seaport Museum Ranked Among "Top 10" Meeting & Dining Locations
ISM & the Explorers Club to Present: "The Future of TITANIC"
ISM Witnesses Increased Visitation & Membership in First Half of 2004
ISM Releases 2003 Annual Report
John S. Carter Elected Pesident of PA Federation of Museums...
Thanks a Million!

Advance Screening of The Science Channel's, Hunt for the USS Alligator: The Navy's First Sub

September 6, 2005 - Lincoln commissioned it. Jules Verne may have been inspired by it. It was lost at sea in 1863. And its story begins in Philadelphia.

On Wednesday, September 28, at 7pm, follow the quest to find the USS Alligator, the Navy's first submarine, built in Philadelphia in 1861, at an advance screening of The Science Channel's Hunt for the USS Alligator: The Navy's First Sub. The screening, sponsored by The Science Channel, Comcast and Independence Seaport Museum, will take place at the Museum, located on Penn's Landing at 211 S. Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St. Afterwards, participate in a question-and-answer session with the producer of the film, Dave Clark, and with researchers involved with the search to find the Alligator. Admission to the screening, which includes a pre-screening reception at 6pm, is $10; FREE for Seaport Museum members. Reservations are necessary; call 215.413.8621. Hunt for the USS Alligator: The Navy's First Sub premieres on The Science Channel Wednesday, October 5 at 8pm.

"NOAA and the Navy's story of the Alligator is a fascinating blend of modern-day detective work and Civil War history," said Steve Burns, Vice President and General Manager of The Science Channel. "There is no better place to premiere Hunt for the USS Alligator: The Navy's First Sub than at Independence Seaport Museum, in the city where Alligator was actually built."

To learn more about Alligator's story, click here.

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Olympia and Becuna to Close for Restoration Project

(July 14, 2005)--Be sure not to miss a tour of Independence Seaport Museum’s historic ships, 1892 Cruiser Olympia and WWII Submarine Becuna, before they close for a restoration project on August 15, 2005. Both ships will re-open on October 1, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., just in time for the Museum’s annual Sub Saturday family event, sponsored by PECO, An Exelon Company, as well as for the monthly behind-the-scenes-tour of Olympia.

The Museum's galleries will remain open to the public while the ships are closed.

The project to replace Becuna's top deck is made possible by funding from the Pennsylvania's Historic and Museum Commission's Keystone Historic Preservation Grant and the Delaware Valley Regional Economic Development Fund. Before the Museum assumed care for the submarine in 1996, portions of the rotting teak decks along the visitor path were covered with plywood for safety reasons. During the current restoration project, all non-historic plywood will be removed, along with the rotted original teak slats, returning Becuna's exterior deck to its "in-service" condition. Also, the steel deck support structures will be carefully inspected, hydro-blasted, and repairs or replacements will be made. Finally, the deck slats will be replaced with Angelique timber, to closely match the appearance of the original.

In order to maintain a safe environment for both the workers and the more than 107,000 annual visitors to the ships, the Museum must close the ships for the 6-week period. The Museum looks forward to welcoming visitors in October — be the first to walk across Becuna’s new deck!

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June 16, 2005 - Independence Seaport Museum to Open First-Ever Exhibit of Marine Art by Thomas Hoyne

February 23, 2005 -The terrors and hardships of fishing in the North Atlantic will be conveyed in a first-ever retrospective of paintings by marine realist Thomas Hoyne at Independence Seaport Museum. Part of the Museum's summer celebration of its 10th year on Penn's Landing, the exhibit, Fishing on the Grand Banks: The Marine Art of Thomas Hoyne, will open on June 16, 2005 and close September 30, 2005. The exhibit will feature approximately 32 paintings, almost a third of Hoyne's work, on loan from maritime museums and private collectors. The paintings will be augmented with memorabilia from Hoyne's studio and life, prints of his works that have been reproduced, and related artifacts, such as ship models.

Hoyne worked for most of his career in advertising, but in mid-life, he changed paths and became a marine artist. Although he only painted for 17 years, he was considered to be one of the finest contemporary marine artists in the world until his death in 1989. He produced about 100 marine paintings, many of which have already found their way into major museum collections, including Mystic Seaport Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and Maine Maritime Museum. While he painted many scenes depicting maritime activity, most of his work evoke the terrors and hardships of fishing from sailing vessels on the notoriously inhospitable Grand Bands of the northern Atlantic.

Many consider Hoyne's greatest strength as a painter his ability to depict vessels realistically, showing how they went about their work along the fishing banks of New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. It is said that the water shown in a Hoyne painting "feels" wet if you touch the surface of the artwork, a testament to the degree of realism the artist brought to his work. The majority of his paintings were made into limited-edition prints, which have sold out over the years.

The exhibit is a timely one as it coincides with W.W. Norton's release of Wooden Ships and Iron Men: Maritime Art of Thomas Hoyne, by Reese Palley. The book's scheduled release date is September 2005.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Museum plans to tie in Hoyne's work with Philadelphia's maritime port when it invites various ships to visit throughout the period of the show. Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to get a close-up look at the types of vessels that Hoyne recreated in his art.

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WHYY Radio's Morning Edition Comes to the Seaport Museum

February 4, 2005 - Imagine living in Philadelphia during the early days of the Civil War and reading the latest issue of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. A front page story reveals a strange and alarming tale: Harbor police have captured a partially-submerged, 33-foot long, cigar-shaped contraption moving slowly down the Delaware River.

Thus begins the little-known story of the United States Submarine Alligator. Built in Philadelphia, Alligator, the Union Navy's first submarine, was primarily intended to counter the threat of the Confederate Navy. Alligator had hand-cranked screw-propulsion, an air purification system, and a diver lockout chamber--all revolutionary ideas in 1863. While being towed south by the USS Sumpter to participate in a mission to capture Charleston, SC, violent storms forced the Sumpter's crew to cut its tow and Alligator was lost.

On Wednesday, February 16 at 6:30p.m., the Seaport Museum will host a public lecture about the virtually unknown predecessor of the CSS Hunley--the Alligator. Catherine Marzin of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuary Program will detail NOAA's efforts to find this important piece of history. Craig Bruns, the Seaport Museum's Collections Manager, will discuss Alligator's Philadelphia connection. A reception will follow. The event is free for Seaport Museum members and $10 for non-members. For more information and reservations, call 215.413.8631.

On Tuesday, February 8, hear a preview of the February 16 lecture on WHYY-91.1FM radio's Morning Edition. The interview with Craig Bruns and Catherine Marzin is scheduled to air at 6:33a.m. and 8:33a.m. (unless breaking news changes things).

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Seaport Museum Launches Scholarship Program

January 14, 2005 - Independence Seaport Museum is delighted to announce a new scholarship program for economically disadvantaged children and youth from Philadelphia public schools. The program will enable students to visit the Museum and participate in the Museum's formal educational programs conducted by its three full-time professional educators.

The inaugural scholarship program was made possible through significant philanthropic support from Seaport Museum board member Gerard Sweeney, on behalf of Brandywine Realty Trust, and the Hamilton Family Foundation. The scholarships will cover the costs of renting buses, as well as the per-student costs of the Museum's educational programs, which means that children and schools least able to pay for the Museum's experienced educators, exhibits, and curricular materials can still participate.

"This program is a perfect fit with the Foundation's mission of funding unique educational programs for economically disadvantaged children and youth in Philadelphia," said Nancy Wingo, Executive Director of the Hamilton Family Foundation. "We are pleased to support the Seaport Museum's efforts to educate Philadelphia public school children about the unique history of Philadelphia's rich maritime history and the traditions of the Delaware River."

Brandywine Realty Trust's CEO, Jerry Sweeney, said, "We are delighted to be sponsoring this activity and hope it brings a smile to the many children who will experience maritime history."

The scholarship program has quickly proven to be a success. Within weeks of its availability, three schools had signed up to take advantage of the opportunity.

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In Memoriam: G. Fred DiBona, Jr.

January 11, 2005 - Independence Seaport Museum mourns the passing of its Board Member and dear friend, Fred DiBona. Fred served on the Museum's Board since 2002.

Museum President John Carter remembers Fred as a true friend of the Museum. "Fred was a superb Board Member who always supported the Museum's mission, programs and exhibits. Because of Fred's commitment to the waterfront and his efforts to promote its development, Independence Blue Cross also became a friend of the Museum. With his leadership, dedication and giving nature he touched many in Philadelphia, and Fred has certainly left his mark with us. We will sorely miss him," said Carter.

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Seaport Museum To Host Congressional Hearing

January 10, 2005 - On Tuesday, January 18, 2005, at 10 a.m., Independence Seaport Museum will host a congressional hearing on the cause and consequences of the November 2004 Delaware River oil spill. Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-2) is organizing the hearing, which will look into how the obstruction which punctured the oil tanker's hull was introduced into the river, why it was not detected earlier, what can be done to improve oil-spill response, and future prevention efforts.

Seaport Museum members and the general public are invited to attend the hearing.

The Museum is observing its 10th anniversary year on Penn's Landing in 2005, as well as its 45th year as Philadelphia's maritime museum. The Museum not only offers hands-on exhibits, two historic ships, and educational programs, but also serves as a spectacular waterfront venue for corporate meetings, luncheons, dinners, weddings and other special events. In December 2004, the Philadelphia Business Journal ranked the Seaport Museum among the "top ten" venues in Philadelphia.

The Museum, located at 211 S. Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St. on Penn's Landing, is easily accessible by car via I-95, exit 20, bus or rail. Parking is available at several lots on Penn's Landing, including one right in front of the Museum's doors. For more information, call 215.413.8655 or visit www.phillyseaport.org.

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FOX 29's Sue Serio To Deliver Weather From Seaport Museum

December 21, 2004 - Fingers crossed, barring any breaking news, weather anchor Sue Serio from FOX 29's "Good Day Philadelphia" will deliver the weather from Independence Seaport Museum on Thursday, December 23.

"Good Day Philadelphia" airs weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Check your local listings for the local FOX 29 channel.

Breaking news or technical difficulties may preempt Sue Serio's scheduled appearance at the Seaport Museum.

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Seaport Museum Ranked Among "Top 10" Meeting & Dining Locations

December 20, 2004 - Independence Seaport Museum is pleased to announce that the Philadelphia Business Journal has ranked the Museum among the "top ten" facilities in the City for meetings, dinners, and other events. The Museum and its 110,383 square feet of exhibit and meeting space ranked 6th on the list published by the Philadelphia Business Journal in its December 17-23, 2004 issue.

With commanding views of the Delaware River and the waterfront, the Seaport Museum offers elegant indoor areas for cocktails, formal dining and dancing, as well as several breath-taking outdoor terraces featuring Philadelphia's most dramatic views of the waterfront, sunsets, and the illuminated evening skies. The Museum can accommodate up to 430 guests for a sit-down dinner and 530 people for corporate meetings in its acoustically-acclaimed concert hall. All catering is provided by Frog Commissary Catering.

If you are interested in having your next event at Independence Seaport Museum, contact Mark Brown, Facility Rental Sales Director, at 215.413.8622 or via email.

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Independence Seaport Museum and the Phila. Chapter of the Explorers Club to Present: "The Future of TITANIC"

September 27, 2004 - On Saturday, October 16 at 6:30pm, four accomplished explorers, each of whom has made the 2.5-mile descent to view the shipwreck TITANIC, will discuss their experiences and debate the status and future of this iconic shipwreck. Co-sponsored by Independence Seaport Museum and the Philadelphia Chapter of The Explorers Club, the event and reception will take place at Independence Seaport Museum, Penn's Landing at Walnut St. The cost for the event and reception is $25, and reservations are necessary; call 215.413.8631. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Parking is available in front of the Museum.

The four panelists are: Patrick Clyne, Vice President of Mel Fisher Enterprises (for ATOCHA & MARGARITA expeditions); Dr. Michael Manyak, Medical Director for the TITANIC 2000 Expedition; Capt. Craig McLean, Director of NOAA's Ocean Exploration Program; and David Concannon, Esq., served as legal advisor to five TITANIC expeditions; moderator will be Peter Hess, admiralty attorney and Vice President of Membership for The Explorers Club. The speakers will discuss and debate TITANIC's stability; the implications of TITANIC's saga on the future of exploring of the world's deep oceans; and whether the medical and physiological challenges of maintaining human life under the crushing pressure of the seas mean that all future exploration will be done by robots. In addition, the speakers will debate whether the site should be declared off-limits to further exploration or should TITANIC's evocative artifacts be recovered, preserved and placed on display, or even sold, in the open market.

Independence Seaport Museum explores the maritime history of the Delaware River, Bay and tributaries through hands-on exhibits, historic ship tours, a working boatshop, and educational programs that lead visitors on an exciting journey of discovery through the history and traditions of our maritime past. The Museum is located on Penn's Landing at 211 S.Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street. For more information visit www.phillyseaport.org.

The Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. Since its inception in 1904, the Club has served as a meeting point and unifying force for explorers and scientists worldwide. The Club has some thirty regional chapters in the United States and abroad. The Philadelphia Chapter of the Explorers Club has 120 members and hosts numerous activities of interest throughout the year, including lectures and outings at venues throughout the Delaware Valley. To learn more, visit The Explorers'site.

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ISM Witnesses Increased Visitation & Membership in First Half of 2004

August 4, 2004 - Independence Seaport Museum is pleased to announce that thanks to several crowd-pleasing events at ISM this summer, the Museum's year-to-date attendance (as of July 31, 2004) is already 2,473 ahead of last year's visitation. Similarly, the Museum's Membership Office also saw a jump in new members. 215 new members came on board in the first half of 2004, compared to 113 during the same period last year. Consequently, the office is primed to see its highest number of household memberships since 2000.

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Independence Seaport Museum Releases 2003 Annual Report

Click on each page to enlarge

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John S. Carter Elected President of Pennsylvania Federation of Museums & Historic Organization

June 14, 2004 - Independence Seaport Museum President John S. Carter was unanimously elected president of the Pennsylvania Federation of Museum & Historic Organizations (PFM&HO) on Saturday, June 12, during the Federation's annual conference and board meeting held in Johnstown, PA.

"The Pennsylvania Federation of Museums is poised to moved ahead strategically and financially, particularly as it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2005. John Carter is the consummate museum professional and his leadership skills will take us confidently into the next century," said Deborah M. Filipi, Executive Director of PFM&HO.

PFM&HO is a not-for-profit statewide organization established in 1905 to support, sustain, invigorate, and expand the role that museums and historical organizations play in their communities and throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Federation boasts a membership of over 500 Pennsylvania museums and historical organizations.

"I am honored to have been elected president of the Federation of Museums, especially during what will be an exciting year for the organization as it celebrates 100 years of serving Pennsylvania's museum community. I am proud to be a part of this historic occasion. I look forward to working with and representing the interests of Pennsylvania's many museums and historic organizations," said Carter.

Carter brings to the Federation over 30 years of experience in the museum field. For the past 15 years, Carter has served as president of Independence Seaport Museum, and previously was director of the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine. He is also a published writer on maritime topics and has consulted on several museum-related projects led by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, American Association of Museums and National Trust for Historic Preservation. In recent years, Carter has served as President of the Council of American Maritime Museums and Vice President of the International Congress of Maritime Museums.

Independence Seaport Museum, dedicated to exploring the maritime history of the Delaware River, Bay and tributaries, opened on Philadelphia’s waterfront in July 1995 after 35 years of rich history as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum. In May 2004, the Museum welcomed its one millionth visitor since its move to Penn’s Landing. The Museum offers hands-on exhibits, historic ship tours, a working boatshop, and educational programs that lead visitors on an exciting journey of discovery through the history and traditions of our maritime past. The Museum is located on Penn’s Landing at 211 S. Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street. For more information visit www.phillyseaport.org.

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"Thanks a Million"

On Wednesday, May 26, Independence Seaport Museum President John Carter, pictured here with students and their teachers from M. Hall Stanton Elementary School, announced to the group that they were the Museum's millionth visitor. The lucky students were feted with ice cream sundaes and goodie bags packed with a Museum t-shirt, admispsion passes and more. To further celebrate the occasion of its one-millionth visitor, Independence Seaport Museum opened its doors for FREE admission on Saturday, June 5. All day long, close to 1000 visitors boarded the Museum's historic ships, Cruiser OLYMPIA and WWII Submarine BECUNA, for guided tours, kids participated in pirate activities, as well as played maritime-themed games and enjoyed several arts and crafts stations, and everyone had a chance to win tickets to ISM, the New Jersey State Aquarium and the Battleship NEW JERSEY. It was a free day of family fun on Philadelphia's waterfront!

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