Independence Seaport Museum

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:

• Permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting various aspects of maritime history and the importance of the Delaware River.

• The J. Welles Henderson Research Center, which houses among many other collections:

  • The Pennsylvania Nautical School and Pennsylvania Maritime Academy materials.

  • The Barry-Hayes collection, which includes correspondence, journals, and financial papers of the Commodore John Barry and Patrick Hayes families (1723-1875).

  • The archives of the Seamen’s Church Institute, an agency created to benefit sailors in the Port of Philadelphia.

  • More than 12,000 volumes, 9,000 ship plans, and a significant collection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and charts.

• Tours of two National Historic Landmark ships:

  • Cruiser Olympia served as Admiral Dewey’s flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay.  She is the oldest floating steel warship in the world.

  • Submarine Becuna, a World War II-era submarine.

• Boat restoration and boatbuilding classes through the Seaport Boat Shop.

• Educational programs for students, teachers, and visitors.

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