Calendar

2021 marks the Centennial Anniversary of the American Unknown Soldier from World War I's transportation home from France to the Washington Navy Yard.  But what some people may not know is the story behind the selection of the Unknown Soldier and the perilous journey aboard Cruiser Olympia as she made her way across the Atlantic Ocean.  And the brave men who risked their lives to protect the soldier they, nor the nation, would never know.   

As stewards of National Historic Landmark ship Cruiser Olympia, Independence Seaport Museum proudly partners with the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS)'s Centennial Committee, and others in solemn commemoration as we honor the Centennial Anniversary of the Unknown Soldier's journey home to his final resting place.  Throughout 2021, we will be sharing stories, presenting programming, hosting discussions, and premiering digital content that highlight not only the difficult journey home but also what it meant to be a soldier and an American citizen during World War I and how the challenges they faced more than 100 years ago still resonate today with new generations. 

Click here to learn more.

100 years ago, USS Olympia carried the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France to the United States on the way to his final resting place, Arlington National Cemetery. On the way, the Unknown Solider (and his accompanying crew) were almost lost as they sailed through a category four hurricane. Join us for our year-long Brown Bag Book Club where, inspired by this voyage, we will examine a wide range of difficult journeys home. On the first of each month, we’ll release the title of a book (or books!) related to our theme of the month and then on the last Tuesday of each month, we'll come together over Zoom to reflect on all we’ve read.  Read along with us from home! 

For the month of March, we have selected the following book:

Invisible Veterans: What Happens When Military Women Become Civilians Again

Written by Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, this book combines research with narrative to expose common threads in the lives of military women and their difficult journey back to civilian life. 

What happens when women return from their deployment?  Join us for this FREE Zoom panel exploring the lives of military women and their uniquely difficult journey transitioning back to civilian life.  This panel will feature opening remarks by Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, author of Invisible Veterans: What Happens When Military Women Become Civilians Again (our March Brown Book Club selection) and an academic researcher, storyteller, and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.  In addition to Dr. Hendricks Thomas, you'll hear about the real life experiences of other women veterans, including Dr. Doreen Loury, member, The Philadelphia Commission for Women, Director of Pan African Studies at Arcadia University, and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.  Before the panel, we encourage audience members to screen SERVICE: When Women Come Marching Home by Marcia Rock.  This documentary is available to rent by clicking here.

REGISTER HERE for the panel discussion. 

ISM is THRILLED to announce that we will be reopening the Museum's building and gangway to Cruiser Olympia on Saturday, March 20 aka the first day of spring!  Who can think of a better way to celebrate?!

We will be operating on a weekends-only schedule, with our hours of operations as follows:

• Saturdays: 10AM - 5PM
• Sundays: 12PM - 5PM

The safety measures that we put in place previously are still in effect and can be found in full detail here.  In addition, we will continue to utilize timed ticketing, with tickets being sold every 30 minutes.  Purchasing tickets in advance are strongly encouraged!

We can't wait to sea you at the Seaport next month!

Please note Submarine Becuna remains closed to the public.  But don't fret, we are projecting to be full steam ahead this summer!

100 years ago, USS Olympia carried the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France to the United States on the way to his final resting place, Arlington National Cemetery.  On the way, the Unknown Soldier (and his accompanying crew) were almost lost as they sailed through a category four hurricane.  Join us for our year-long Brown Bag Book Club where, inspired by this voyage, we will examine a wide range of difficult journeys home.  On the first of each month, we'll release the title of a book (or books!) related to our theme of the month.  Read along with us from home.

On the last Tuesday of each month, we'll come together over Zoom to reflect on all of what we've read.  In March, we'll reflect on the difficult journey home experienced by women veterans returning to civilian life.

REGISTER HERE! 

Join Independence Seaport Museum (virtually on Zoom!) in a conversation with Gavin McIlvenna, President, Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Solider (SHGTUS) as he discusses the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, the World War I Unknown Soldier (brought home for internment by Cruiser Olympia), and the Sentinels who stand eternal vigil.   

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Photo provided by the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

ISM's Brown Bag Book Club pick is looking VERY different this month!  We are partnering with Opera Philadelphia to highlight their new film, Soldier Songs, which can be found on the Opera Philadelphia Channel! 

Opera, rock, and film collide in David T. Little's exploration of the life of the Soldier.  Based on interviews with veterans of five wars, the piece boldly examines the impact of trauma, the exploitation of innocence, and the difficulty of expressing war's painful truths.

Directed by and starring baritone Jonathan McCullough, this film is a must see!

How to Watch: The film can be rented by CLICKING HERE. 

**Special Offer for Military Service Members **

PROMO CODE: USMIL

Active-duty military and veterans are eligible to save 50% on all Opera Philadelphia Channel rentals with promo code USMIL. Not valid on previous rentals or purchases; some restrictions may apply. Offer not transferable, and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 5/31/21 at 11:59 p.m.

100 years ago, USS Olympia carried the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France to the United States on the way to his final resting place, Arlington National Cemetery.  On the way, the Unknown Soldier (and his accompanying crew) were almost lost as they sailed through a category four hurricane.  Join us for our year-long Brown Bag Book Club where, inspired by this voyage, we will examine a wide-range of difficult journeys home.  On the first on each month, we'll release the title of a book (or books!  or movies!) related to our theme of the month.  Read along with us from home!  On the last Tuesday of each month, we'll come together over Zoom to reflect.

In May, we will be joined by Opera Philadelphia  and Jonathan McCullough (director and baritone star) to discuss their new film Soldier Songs, which can be found on the Opera Philadelphia Channel, and to reflect on the sacrifices and impact that war has on military service members. 

Opera, rock, and film collide in David T. Little's exploration of the life of the Soldier.  Based on interviews with veterans of five wars, the piece boldly examines the impact of trauma, the exploitation of innocence, and the difficulty of expressing war's painful truths.

How to Watch: The film can be rented by CLICKING HERE. 

**Special Offer for Military Service Members**

PROMO CODE: USMIL

Active-duty military and veterans are eligible to save 50% on all Opera Philadelphia Channel rentals with promo code USMIL.  Not valid on previous rentals or purchases; some restrictions may apply.  Offer not transferable, and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.  Cannot be combined with other offers.  Expires 5/31/21 at 11:59 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!