Contact Information
Penn's Landing
211 South Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
United States
Independence Seaport Museum
Independence Seaport Museum
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The museum was founded in 1960 by J. Welles Henderson and is home to one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America. Highlights include:
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Permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting various aspects of maritime history and the importance of the Delaware River.
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The J. Welles Henderson Research Center, which houses among many other collections:
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The Pennsylvania Nautical School and Pennsylvania Maritime Academy materials.
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The Barry-Hayes collection, which includes correspondence, journals, and financial papers of the Commodore John Barry and Patrick Hayes families (1723-1875).
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The archives of the Seamen’s Church Institute, an agency created to benefit sailors in the Port of Philadelphia.
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More than 12,000 volumes, 9,000 ship plans, and a significant collection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and charts.
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Tours of two National Historic Landmark ships:
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Cruiser Olympia served as Admiral Dewey’s flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay. She is the oldest floating steel warship in the world.
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Submarine Becuna, a World War II-era submarine.
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Boat restoration and boatbuilding classes through the Seaport Boat Shop.
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Educational programs for students, teachers, and visitors.