Philadelphia families can set sail into the fall season with the Independence Seaport Museum because the Penn’s Landing venue recently announced a full slate of spooky programming with activities for all ages.
Beginning Oct. 13, ISM will offer discounts to guests visiting in their Halloween costumes, plus, special programming to highlight its exhibitions—which includes one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America and their historic ships, Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna.
First up for the programming on Oct. 13, the museum will host the Cruiser Olympia “Spook”-easy Pop-Up Experience for parents aka, the final event of its new adults-only series where guests can step back in time aboard the oldest floating steel warship in the world.
According to a release, from 6 to 9 p.m. on that date, the ISM will turn the historic ship into a 1920s speakeasy where the crew is dressed in period uniforms. Guests can enjoy a night of drinks, music, and games while learning about what it was like serving in the United States Navy during prohibition. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes, and tickets are available for $30 online, or $35 at the door.
Then, for the whole family, on Oct. 21, at 2 p.m., Hagley Museum and Library historian Lucas R. Clawson will host Captain’s Corner, an afternoon talk series that offers in-depth conversations on American history. While there, Clawson will discuss how the DuPont Company dealt with disruptions in shipping and the maritime economy during the Civil War, a release states. Philadelphians can note, access to Captain’s Corner is included with admission to the Museum and free for ISM members.
Other exhibits to explore indoors include ‘At the Water’s Edge: Working and living along the Delaware River ‘, which details the history of Philadelphia’s waterfront through a series of artifacts, rare prints, artwork, and historic documents, plus, ‘In Patriots & Pirates’ where visitors learn about how Philadelphia played a key role in the founding of the U.S. Navy and also, how sailors had to combat Pirates during the early days of the American Republic.
The ‘River Alive!’ exhibition, on the other hand, is described as giving visitors an up-close look at the wildlife, science, and wonder of the Delaware River, while also encouraging exploration through various engaging and interactive components. And as the release says, this particular exhibit was awarded the Special Achievement in Interactivity Award in 2020 by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
And outdoors, visitors can make their way through the Independence Seaport Museum’s historic ships, especially the Cruiser Olympia, a National Historic Landmark that the ISM has overseen since 1996 for restorations.
There are a few ticket bundle opportunities this fall at the ISM. The General Admission Ticket Package comes with a self-guided experience among the Museum’s award-winning exhibitions and aboard the historic ship Cruiser Olympia, or, you could opt in for the Climb Aboard Package which offers self-guided access to Cruiser Olympia plus guided tours of the ship’s Engine Room and Submarine Becuna for those only looking to tour the historic ships. Then, visitors who purchase the Explorer Package can explore the entire Museum and Olympia on their own before taking a guided tour of Becuna, or, for the complete ISM experience, the Admiral Dewey Package offers self-guided access to the Museum building and Cruiser Olympia, a guided tour of Submarine Becuna, and a guided tour of Cruiser Olympia’s Engine Room, the release finishes.
And of course, as mentioned before, anyone who comes in costume from Oct. 13 to 31 will receive $2 off tickets. Before leaving, families can also head to the venue’s gift shop to pick out items for all ages related to the museum.
For more information about the Independence Seaport Museum (211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.), visit phillyseaport.org
