Photo: CLEM MURRAY
The troubled Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia announced on Monday that it would continue to keep the cruiser ex USS Olympia open though the end of the year and shift to a three day schedule through the end of March.
Spanish-American warship spared, at least for now
The Olympia – last surviving warship of the Spanish-American War of 1898 – may still be scrapped or face a watery grave as an artificial reef off Cape May without money for restoration.
But the Penn’s Landing attraction will not close as originally planned Monday after the Independence Seaport Museum’s decision, announced late Wednesday, to fund interim repairs.
The museum plans to hold a summit early next year with the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, National Park Service, and Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission to determine what steps can be taken to save the ship.
The summit will bring together leaders from historic-preservation agencies, maritime museums, government, economic development, and tourism as well as representatives from the Friends of the Cruiser Olympia and potential funders.
woo hoo, good news . .. . altho there’s a lot left unsaid here.
So it would appear. But yes, good news.
Good news indeed. It’s hard to imagine what minor, temporary repairs were needed so badly that the public couldn’t be allowed on board without them, but now the ship can remain open. Seems like a PR stunt to me. But if it creates a happy ending, great.
One nit: Olympia ceased to be “USS” when decommissioned for the last time. She was never “SS” — that designator is usually used for a merchant steamship. She’s the “ex-USS Olympia” or just Olympia. But I think the original hull number can still be used (C 6?).
Let’s hope the engine room can remain open too.
Of course you are correct Steven. I have fixed the designation.