http://cruiserolympia.org/site/
To preserve and maintain the OLYMPIA as a national heritage site in the City of Philadelphia. To interpret the political and social history and technologies of the OLYMPIA and her period.
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).
IMMEDIATE GOAL
Phase 1
Repairs are urgent to prevent the catastrophic loss of the OLYMPIA (formerly the USS Olympia).
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:
· New mooring system.
· Begin installation of climate-control and plumbing systems.
· Interior preservation.
· Begin interpretive programs for all ages and re-establish museum exhibits.
THE FUTURE
Phase 2
· Begin Comprehensive Overhaul:
· Dredging to clear way for tow.
· Safe tow to dry dock facility and extensive repair to corroded hull.
· Replacement of rotted exterior decks to protect historic fabric of interior.
· Continued installation of climate-control and plumbing systems.
· Interior preservation.
Questions can be forwarded to Friends of the Cruiser Olympia at
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.
Friends of the Cruiser Olympia
2 Penn Center Plaza
Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 854-6309
For more information: http://cruiserolympia.org/site/press/
To donate: http://cruiserolympia.org/site/donate/
