Frequently Asked Questions
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.
2. What is your plan for saving the ship?
Our plans are to:
* Gain funding for the immediate “in place” stabilization of the ship.
*Work in partnership with other interested organizations to raise capital for a full refit.
*Preserving the vessel as a floating museum.3. Who are you reaching out to?
* Those organizations that have an historic link with the ship.
* Businesses or individuals who have an interest in preserving her.
* Legislators and government 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, no one can really own her. 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 process in which the ISM and the U.S. Navy must both agree.
The HMS Victory and USS Constitution have been cited as being in such fine states of preservation as museum ships. 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.
5. Why don’t you get funding from the government to save and preserve the ship?
Historic ship museums are to be maintained at no cost to the US government. Those are the terms dictated by law when any ship is donated to a custodian group for preservation as an historic site. This is why the Friends of the Cruiser Olympia was established. The issue is complicated, but the simple 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.
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 LOT 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?
No matter what you might think, 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 or to repair or repaint it. Remember that the ship was meant to float! Philadelphia is a fresh water port. Fresh water is much kinder than salt water. In many ways it has helped to lessen the effects of time and neglect.
7. What is your address?
Friends of the Cruiser Olympia 2 Penn Center Plaza Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19102
