amples of river recreation common in the area, such as fishing, rowing on the Schuylkill River, sailing, motor boating, and discovering the natural wonders of the riverbank. Informative displays present issues of development and its impact on the environment. The second permanent exhibit, "Divers of the Deep," is one of the largest on the subject in the region. Visitors follow the history and techniques of underwater exploration through such displays as "The Call of the Sea," on man's pursuit to discover the secrets of the oceans, and "Hard Hat Diving," on the methods and perils of earl y diving. "A New Era in Underwater Exploration" demonstrates the introduction of SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatu s) and newer diving gear and the resultant beginning of recreational diving. Also displayed are two small submersibles: the Star l (used in SEA-Lab I experiments in 1964) and the Guppy (last used to obtain core samples in the Gulf of Alaska). The fi nal exhibit is the enchanting world of "Underwater Marine Archaeology," where visitors discover what
sunken ships and relics can tell us of our history. Displayed are artifacts from Spanish galleons wrecked in 1724 and the tale of the British warship HMS De Braak, which sank off the coast of Lewes, Delaware, in the late 1700s. Penn's Landing is notonJy an historical center, but a cultural center as well. In addition to the Independence Seaport Museum , the site hosts open air concerts and holiday celebrations during the summer months as well as sailing races , boat shows and military exhibits. The Navy occasionally brings in such ships as frigates of the Oliver Hazzard Perry class and the Spruance class destroyers O' Bannon (in October 1994) and Peterson (June 1995), for tours, Navy League cruises and R&R . Although not owned by the Museum , the square-rigged sailing ship Gazela of Philadelphia and the tug Jupiter are docked nearby, when they are in port. The New Jersey State Aquarium is located just across the river, a ferry boat
ride from the Museum. Penn's Landing is just a few blocks away from Independence Historical Park, which includes the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall, as well as numerous historic and educational sites of our national heritage. The Philadelphia Viet Nam Memorial and Tun Tavern, the founding site of the Marine Corps, are also nearby. This area is sometimes referred to as America's most historic square mile. A visit to Philadelphia and Independence Seaport Museum is both a celebration and an experience of our national maritime heritage. .t Indep endence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19105; 215 925-5439. Mr. Wambold is a writer and photographer from Pennsylvania who has previously been published in Naval History and Pennsylvania Heritage.
Evocative displays of the underwater world bring to life the realm ofmarine archaeologists (below). Philadelphia's role as a commercial and shipbuilding center are interpreted in permanent displays (right). ~:<rn""'cnTICTTnTTnTTT.<""'"'=
22
SEA HISTORY 85, SUMMER 1998