1.    Who are the Friends of the Cruiser Olympia?

The Friends of the Cruiser Olympia are an independent non-profit corporation formed with the goal of preserving the protected Cruiser OLYMPIA. We are recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) 3 public charity. Learn more by visiting About Us.

2.    What is your plan for saving the ship?

Our plans are to:

• Gain funding for the immediate “in place” stabilization of the ship.
• Complete the necessary plans, reports, surveys, and associated paperwork to satisfy the DoD and US Navy for transfer.
  
• Work in partnership with other interested organizations to raise capital for a full refit.
• Preserving the vessel as a floating museum.
• Establishing educational & interpretive programs for all ages.
• Preserve and maintain artifacts and historic materials from the ISM collection and archives.
• Establishing sound financial and management practices.
• Learn more by visiting Protect Olympia.
  

3.    Who are you reaching out to?

• Organizations that have a historic link with the ship.
• Businesses or individuals who have an interest in preserving her.
• Legislators, government, public, and private organizations who can help us meet our goal.

4.    Can’t you just buy the ship from the owners?

No. The Olympia is an EX United States warship. She is the property of the US government. The Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) is the current steward of the ship. Transfer from one steward to the next is a complicated process in which the ISM and the Navy must both agree.

5.    Why don’t you get funding from the government to save and preserve the ship?

This question is posed a lot. Historic “naval” ship museums are to be maintained at no cost to the US government. Those are the terms dictated by law when any former US Naval vessel is donated to a custodian group for preservation as a historic site. This is why the Friends of the Cruiser Olympia was established. The issue is complicated, but the basic answer is that any public money that may be used for preservation must be done through special legislation for appropriation of funds. We are currently working with our State and Federal representatives to explore this possibility and are exploring every avenue of public/government, private, corporate, and foundation funding.

Regarding the HMS Victory and USS Constitution funding – both ships have been cited as examples of ships funded by governments. Please be aware that there is a major difference between OLYMPIA and these vessels. VICTORY and CONSTITUTION are still “in commission” in their respective navies. They have an active duty crew and are funded by their governments. OLYMPIA is not “in commission”. That’s why we do not use the term “USS” which indicates she is a ship in the active US Navy. The current USS OLYMPIA is a nuclear submarine (SSN 717). Learn more by visiting Protect Olympia.

6.   Why not “landlock” or “dry berth” the ship? That way the ship won’t be subject to leaks or be able to sink.

This is another comment/suggestion that has been offered by many. After a great deal of discussion and study, we don’t like this option at all for several reasons:

• First, where is the ship to be located?
  
• Who is going to buy or give us the land?
• How do you propose moving the ship onto this land?
• Where is the money to pay for this?

Water from rain and condensation will always get under the ship. Once there, it will be the same as if the ship was floating in water… except no one can get to the hull to inspect, to repair or to repaint. Remember that the ship was meant to float! Philadelphia is a fresh water port. Fresh water is much kinder to steel than salt water. In many ways it has helped to lessen the effects of time and neglect on her hull.

7.   What is your address?

Friends of the Cruiser Olympia
2 Penn Center Plaza
Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 854-6309
All mail and packages may be sent to this address. You can also Contact Us.

8.   What about matching funds?

Many businesses will match your donation if you inform them. Please ask your HR or payroll department if your company participates in such a program.  Have them get in touch with us so we can provide them with the information they will need for us to register and to confirm your donation. Every dollar helps! Please consider making a donation.

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