Discover Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum

Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum is a fun and educational destination for the entire family. Highlighting the region’s maritime heritage, the museum is home to the Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia and World War II Submarine Becuna, both National Historic Landmarks. Its galleries are complemented with tours and educational programs, a wooden boat shop, a library and archive, Concert Hall and Museum shop. The Museum also holds special events throughout out the year, ranging from art exhibits to lectures to a New Year’s Eve Gala and more.

Drawn to the Water: Artists of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Capture our Region’s Waterways, 1830 to Present — Through December 31, 2011. Paintings of the Delaware River and Bay, the Schuylkill River and New Jersey’s Atlantic coast highlight the area’s maritime heritage. The exhibit is free with museum admission. Visit this site for more details.

2nd Annual Stout & Chowder Festival — Saturday November 19, 2011, 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
The 2nd Annual Stout & Chowder Festival is an extravaganza of unlimited dark seasonal beers, a variety of chowders and stews, topped off with a “savor session,” pairing desserts with local brews. The theme this year is “Burly Beer,” and to go along with No-Shave November, a Burly Beard Competition will choose the official bearded mascot of next year’s festival. An after-party will be hosted by the nearby Triumph Brewing Company at 117 Chestnut Street, offering beer specials. The $60 ticket also includes admittance to the Museum’s exhibits before 5:00 p.m. and a keepsake glass mug. Group discounts for six or more are available. Visit this site for more details and ticket information.

Independence Seaport Museum’s Parade of Lights — Saturday, December 17, 2011, 5:00 p.m.
The second annual Seaport Parade of Lights floats off at 5:00 p.m., featuring tugs and commercial boats of the Delaware, dazzlingly decked out with bright, festive holiday lights. Led by the Jupiter, a vintage 1902 tugboat, the parade will travel just past the Ben Franklin Bridge and return to Penn’s Landing. The parade can be seen from any point along Penn’s Landing waterfront. The Museum will host a parade-viewing party featuring a prime viewing spot and free hot chocolate on the second-floor balcony. Call 215-413-8631 for more details.

New Year’s Eve Buccaneers Ball — December 31, 2011. Dance into 2012 at the Museum’s New Year’s Eve Buccaneers Ball, a “black tie optional” gala. Tickets purchased before December 9th are $175 each or $300 per couple, $195/$350 after that date. The event features live orchestra, open bar, a sumptuous buffet dinner and dessert. The party is capped off with a front row seat on the Museum’s landing to the midnight fireworks over the Delaware River. Call Toni O’Brien at 215-413-8626 for tickets and more information.

Seaport Slumbers — January 14 & 28, and February 11 & 18, 2012. The Seaport’s 2012 Slumber program is titled “A Pirate’s Life for Me,” and the overnight adventure features map and compass-making activities, tours of the museum galleries and historic ships, and a presentation on how pirates lived. All children are provided an evening snack and continental breakfast and souvenir activity patch. Activities meet the requirements for Cub Scouts to earn their Maps and Compass Belt Loop and Pin, and the Museum will verify completed requirements. Call 215-413-8630 for reservations.

“Boat Building 101″ Workshop on the Water — February 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 2012. This workshop runs over two weekends and takes amateur boat builders through all stages of boat building, including maximizing your plans, and constructing the backbone, spars, planking, frames and interior carpentry. All tools and materials are provided; participants must be at least 16 years old. The workshop is $270 for Seaport Museum members and $315 for non-members. Call 215-413-8630, email [email protected] or click here for more information.

Truly one of Philadelphia’s treasures, the Seaport Museum is a glowing testament to Philadelphia’s maritime heritage. Visit their website and register for their newsletter, which will soon have details of their upcoming exhibit celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, scheduled for February 2012.

Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, Website


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