To commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps is offering a unique opportunity to explore Philadelphia’s naval and military history.
Now through Nov. 30, visitors can purchase the exclusive Homecoming 250 Museum Pass that provides one-time admission to three of the city’s most significant historical sites and museums. Together, these destinations highlight Philadelphia’s longstanding connection to the Navy and Marine Corps during the 250th anniversary celebration.
Here’s a look at what Philadelphians can check out with the Homecoming 250 Museum Pass.
Independence Seaport Museum
Exhibits: Small But Mighty!: Models, Toys, and Miniature Ships, and Patriots & Pirates
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (the last boarding of the Olympia is at 4:30 p.m.)
Explore exhibitions that celebrate the history of the United States Navy. Patriots & Pirates discusses the founding of the Navy in Philadelphia. Small but Mighty! features nearly 50 rarely seen models, some that were raced in ponds and others raced on the floor of Victorian homes in the 19th century.
American Swedish Historical Museum
Exhibit: And Let Victory Tell the Rest: 250 Years of Navy Shipbuilding in Philadelphia
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Philadelphia has long been a hub for U.S. Navy shipbuilding, from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War. Curated by the National Museum of the United States Navy, this exhibit highlights the region’s historic contributions, the ships built in the region, and the people behind them.
Battleship New Jersey
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Exhibits: Shipbuilding of the Delaware River and Support Any Friend
Shipbuilding of the Delaware River highlights the rich history of ship construction and repair along the Delaware River and showcases artifacts and tools from historic shipyards, including items recovered during the Battleship New Jersey’s 2024 dry docking. Visitors will get a closer look at the craftsmanship and innovation that shaped America’s maritime legacy. Support Any Friend, created by the Naval History and Heritage Command, showcases the history of the Navy communities, including aviation, special forces, and surface warfare, in the second half of the 20th century.
If you go
The Homecoming 250 Museum Pass includes an all-day Philadelphia PHLASH ticket, giving visitors convenient access to key historical sites throughout the city. Pass holders can visit the museums in any order and at any time within the valid dates. Present the physical or digital pass at the admissions desk of each museum.
Passes will be available for purchase both online at phlvisitorcenter.com/homecoming-250 and in person at four Visitor Center locations: Independence Visitor Center, City Hall Visitor Center, LOVE Park Visitor Center, and the Parkway Visitor Center & Rocky Shop. Cost for adults is $50, seniors and students are $4o to 45, children are $25 to 40, and veterans are $33 to 40.
