Independence Seaport Museum, the Philadelphia region’s leading waterways institute, has been awarded a $160,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation. Funds from the Foundation will be used to offer eco-tours on the Delaware River, expand the Museum’s River Ambassadors program, a hands-on science learning experience for underserved Philadelphia high school students, and extend the existing Floating Wetlands in the river basin.
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The programmatic funding will support increased public access to the Delaware River and expand the on-water programming along the waterfront at Penn’s Landing to help increase environmental awareness, promote a shared sense of responsibility, and support the Seaport Museum’s watershed restoration goals.
“The William Penn Foundation continues to believe in and support the Seaport Museum’s efforts to connect visitors with the Delaware River Watershed and share the importance of our local waterways,” said John Brady, President and CEO of Independence Seaport Museum. “By adding to our programming and extending our wetlands, we will be able to empower our guests and local students with firsthand experiences on the water and strategies to help protect and conserve this vital resource.”
The watershed education and preservation work aligns with the William Penn Foundation’s work to empower those living in the area to protect our shared watershed, a strategic vision accomplished through grants toward research, advocacy, communications, conservation, river access, and strong environmental education. With this funding, the Seaport Museum will seek to empower visitors with knowledge about watershed science and conservation efforts. In turn, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how changing actions in their daily lives can positively impact the environment.
“We are proud to support the Seaport Museum as they provide the opportunity for Philadelphians and regional visitors to experience the Delaware River and learn about our role in conserving it,” said Andrew Johnson, Watershed Protection Program Director at the William Penn Foundation. “The Foundation has made a concerted effort to help provide direct access for people to explore and learn about the water and inspire them to help protect it.”
About Independence Seaport Museum
Independence Seaport Museum deepens the understanding, appreciation, and experience of the Philadelphia region’s waterways through history, science, and art, plus experiences on the water. Along with National Historic Landmark ships Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna, the Museum is home to a boatbuilding workshop, Citizen Science Lab, and a MakerSpace. Guests can also explore the river with small boat rentals, on-water programming, and one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America. Independence Seaport Museum is the premier, year-round destination on the Penn’s Landing waterfront. Visit daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and see our full schedule of programs and events at phillyseaport.org.
About the William Penn Foundation
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that increase educational opportunities for children from low-income families, ensure a sustainable environment, foster creativity that enhances civic life, and advance philanthropy in the Philadelphia region. In partnership with others, the Foundation works to advance opportunity, ensure sustainability, and enable effective solutions. The Foundation’s assets exceed $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2017.
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