Protect Olympia

The Friends of the Cruiser Olympia are seeking to accept ownership of the ship from her current stewards, the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM). The ISM are no longer able to fund the preservation costs for OLYMPIA and have expressed that unless a new owner can be found, their plans are to scuttle her, making her into an artificial reef. The Friends have reached a milestone having passed the first phase (of three) of the Transfer Application Process (TAPP) in September 2011.

The Friends have launched a $25 million campaign to save OLYMPIA. Repairs alone are estimated at $10 million. These include immediate hull improvements to seal 63 hull breaches at the wind and water line, repair and or replace her rotting decks and inspect and repair her hull which has not been seen out of water since 1945.

You can help.

Writing letters, USS OLYMPIA 1989

  • Check with your company regarding corporate giving or matching donations and donate.
  • Write, call or meet with your congressional representatives and senators and tell them to vote for HR3180, the U.S.S. Cruiser Olympia Commemorative Coin Act.
  • Write a letter to the editor of your local paper expressing your concern about OLYMPIA and encourage them to write a story about our efforts.
  • Like us on Facebook and join our group to share your passion with your friends. One supporter even changed their cover photo to OLYMPIA to raise awareness. Great idea, Tony!
  • Contact your local government officials and encourage them to pass a resolution in support of OLYMPIA and her contribution to US History.
  • Make arrangements to speak with your local community group (such as a service club, social organization, political group, place of worship, etc.) to raise awareness and financial support.
  • Speak with your friends about OLYMPIA. If you blog or use other social media, post an entry about the Friends and our efforts to save our most precious ship. (Don’t forget to include a link to the Friend’s website!)
  • You can even record a message of support for OLYMPIA on your answering service so callers will learn about her!

A little creativity can change OLYMPIA’s future. Together, we can save this national historic treasure!

Learn more about our plan to protect OLYMPIA below. You can also Volunteer, visit About Us to get to know the Friends, or read About Olympia to learn more about her history, technology, and purpose.


The Friends of the Cruiser OLYMPIA have a three stage plan to ensure her longevity as a historic treasure for years to come. Read on to discover the Friend’s plan.

Stage 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.

Achieving this goal

  • The Friends of the Cruiser Olympia, a 501 (c) 3 non profit corporation, organized in 2009 with the goal of preserving Olympia and opening her to the public as a floating historic and educational museum that would preserve Olympia’s structure, history, heritage, and tradition as a national treasure.
  • We submitted our Executive Summary and Letter of Intent to the Independence Seaport Museum and were accepted as official candidates in September, 2011. As such, the Friends completed Phase I of the TAPP. We are expanding our museum, business, and environmental plans as required in Phase Two of the NAVSEA requirements.
  • We have engaged a professional lobbyist to promote our efforts in government. The Friends have also established local and regional legislative and community support and continue to nurture those relationships.
  • The Friends have also established a working relationship with Naval History & Tradition, NavSea PMS 333, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, EPA, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
  • The Board of Advisers is under expansion and we are pleased to welcome experts and enthusiasts from across the United States to service.
  • The Friends seek to satisfy any additional areas and topics the Secretary of the Navy may add.
  • The TAPP/NAVSEA4520.1B require demonstration of firm financing. In essence, this means raising the approximate sum of $8 million dollars or more as soon as possible. This is the first round of fund raising the Friends are undergoing to begin the application process.

Stage 2: Stabilization

OLYMPIA risks sinking at her moorings if remedial work does not proceed. 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 dry docking and a major overhaul. The cost of comprehensive overhaul is approximately $19.5 million.

  • The Friends are reviewing the ISM reports and studies on stability and condition to address OLYMPIA’s immediate needs.
  • Perform interim work at waterline to stop/lessen leaks and improve pumping capability of internal cofferdams.
  • Begin assessment work on hull and other deferred maintenance issues.
  • Draft technical plans and specifications for installation of year round climate-control and plumbing systems.
  • Draft detailed specification for comprehensive overhaul.
  • Establish museum, education, interpretive, volunteer, and outreach programs for all ages.

Stage 3: Planning for Comprehensive Overhaul

  • Dredging to clear way for tow.
  • Safe tow to dry dock for repairs to hull.
  • Implement plans for overhaul.
  • Removal of cement & rotted weather decks and their replacement.
  • Structural repairs to berth, main, and superstructure decks, funnels, masts, and fighting tops.
  • Structural repairs to hull and rudder.
  • Electrical and lighting improvements.
  • Continued addition of climate control and plumbing systems.
  • Conservation and preservation of interior spaces.

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