FRIENDS OF THE CRUISER OLYMPIA

IN MEMORY OF THOMAS J. KIRK

Friends of the Cruiser Olympia would like to acknowledge the generous donation they have received from Linearizer Technology, Inc., (LTI) Hamilton, N.J., in memory of Mr. Thomas J. Kirk. Mr. Kirk passed away on Oct. 18, 2010.
A Navy veteran who was possessed of continuous interest in; and extensive, ever-increasing knowledge of; maritime history, Mr. Kirk was a tremendous proponent of the Olympia and her restoration. His fascination with the storied ship inspired his friends and colleagues at Linearizer Technology to honor his memory with a $500 donation toward the future of the Cruiser Olympia alongside Philadelphia’s river docks.
President Captain Jay Richman as well as the entire team at the Friends, are proud to honor Mr. Kirk and his hopes for the future of OLYMPIA.

 

Protected Cruiser OLYMPIA (C 6)

The Cruiser OLYMPIA is the world’s oldest steel warship afloat. She is the sole surviving US naval ship of Spanish-American War and revived American Steel Navy. Launched in 1892 and serving with distinction in two wars, OLYMPIA is emblematic of the moment the United States became a global power.

OLYMPIA is a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1964), a National Historic Engineering Landmark (1977), National Historic Maritime Landmark (1988), awarded “Official Project” status of Save America’s Treasures program (1999).

GOALS
Phase 1

Transfer of Ownership

The Friends of the Cruiser Olympia must gain ownership of the ship from the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM). This is a lengthy process which involves not only the ISM, but the US Navy, and the Pennsylvania State Preservation Office (PHMC).  This is the most vital step before anything further can be done to begin restoration of the ship.

How we are going to achieve this goal

• We are an IRS 501(c)3  public charity. We are a non profit charitable corporation in the state of Delaware.  Any donations made on or after 1 June 2010 are fully tax deductible under federal tax code. If you require documentation, please contact us.
• File a formal request to Navy Inactive Ships Program (PMS 333). The most difficult areas are the Business/Financial Plan and the Environmental Plan.
• Submit a full Business/Financial Plan. This is difficult because it costs millions of dollars to obtain, convert, and maintain these vessels as museums/memorials.
• Complete an Environmental Plan. This  is very challenging because of the coordination required among various agencies to address all the required elements and the fact that many of the environmental requirements (dredging, PCB management, etc) have the potential to be major cost drivers for the Business/Financial Plan.
• Establish Legislative and Community support.
• Satisfy any additional areas and topics the Secretary of the Navy may add.
• File appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Establish Firm Financing requirements to satisfy NAVSEA4520.1B. In essence, this means raising the approximate sum of $2.5 million dollars or more as soon as possible. This is the first round of fund raising to begin the application process.

Phase 2

Stabilization

OLYMPIA risks sinking at her moorings. Her hull is severely corroded at the waterline Sixty two (62) leaking holes have been repaired to date. The addition of a concrete layer over her original wooden weather decks has compounded leakage issues from above as well as at the waterline.
OLYMPIA is in critical need of drydocking and a major overhaul. The cost of comprehensive overhaul is approximately $19.5 million.
Immediate need is to raise $2.5 million by January 2011, take custody of the ship and begin initial work:

• Update mooring plan.
  
• Begin assessment work on hull and other deferred maintenance issues.
  
• Installation of climate-control and plumbing systems.
• Interior preservation.
• Establish interpretive programs for all ages and design and install museum exhibits.

Phase 3

Planning for Comprehensive Overhaul

• Safe tow to dry dock for repairs to hull.
• Dredging to clear way for tow.
• Replacement of rotted weather decks.
• Continued addition of climate control and plumbing systems.
• Interior preservation.

Questions can be forwarded to Friends of the Cruiser Olympia at:Info@cruiserolympia.org

We seek private and corporate financial support in helping us preserve and maintain the OLYMPIA as a national heritage site in the City of Philadelphia. We wish to create informative and engaging historic and educational programs for all ages to teach and interpret political, social, and technological history of the period.

To learn more, please visit our primary site at:

http://cruiserolympia.org/site/