Exhibit explores Delaware River
New Independence Seaport Museum exhibit explores Delaware River
It’s easy to forget that the Delaware River’s path connects mountains, wilderness, farmland, cities and coastal plains. Or that 15 million people drink the water that flows through the watershed.
The Independence Seaport Museum at Penn’s Landing has a friendly and informative reminder in the new permanent exhibition “River Alive!”
The 4,000-square-foot “River Alive!” focuses on the wonders and challenges of the Delaware River watershed, our place within that system, the science used to understand the watershed’s complexity and the importance of caring for its ever-changing ecosystem.
In a press release, the museum’s president and CEO John Brady said: “‘River Alive’ highlights the importance of the Delaware River’s health, while showcasing its scenic beauty and tremendously varied wildlife. Our intention is to deepen our visitors’ appreciation of any experience they have on the region’s rivers and streams.”
What’s there for me to see? The exhibit’s centerpiece is a 32-foot-long River Continuum Wall, which beckons you to activate digitally animated content by physically engaging with five “input stations.”
In total, “River Alive!” is comprised of 17 interactive components and aquatic field stations that address the living things in the river, and encourages thinking about the importance of caring for the watershed.
Using a map of the Delaware River Watershed, explore five different “Watershed Trails”: land, life, history, healing and the nature of water. Other key areas of the exhibit include a Citizen Science Lab, Watershed Story Space, Watershed Life Glass Tile Wall, and the Fisharium Classroom.
Doesn’t the Clean Water Act help conserve and protect the Delaware River watershed?
According to Shawn McCaney, the executive director of the William Penn Foundation, it does, and it’s made a difference. The William Penn Foundation contributed more than $4 million in grant money to make “River Alive!” part of the Independence Seaport Museum.
“As a direct result of the federal Clean Water Act, and other landmark laws intended to protect clean water, the health of our waterways has dramatically improved over the past few decades, and we’re witnessing a major ‘return to the river’ in Philadelphia and throughout the watershed,” he said in a prepared statement. “Our work aims to harness and strengthen this momentum, and ‘River Alive’ is a wonderful new way for Philadelphians and visitors to connect directly with the Delaware River and become inspired to learn more about, and explore, the Delaware and its tributaries.”
Where is the Independence Seaport Museum, and when is it open?
211 S. Columbus Blvd., and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The museum is closed Christmas Day and closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24. Does it cost anything? Admission is $17, $12 for seniors 65+, children 3-12, students and active and retired military. Where do I park?
One option is the Hilton Penn’s Landing Parking Garage on Columbus Boulevard. When parking in this garage, you will get a “chaser” ticket from the front desk staff at the museum for a discounted parking ticket at the rate of $16 with regular museum admission.
Parking is also available at the Penn’s Landing Walnut Street Parking Lot, adjacent to the museum, for $10 when purchasing regular admission to the museum. You’ll need to bring your parking receipt with you to the museum to receive the discount.
Also, on-street metered parking is available on Front Street and the surrounding area.
Why is there a seaport museum on the Delaware River waterfront?
The museum’s purpose is to deepen the understanding, appreciation and experience of the Philadelphia region’s waterways through history, art, science and connecting with communities. It has the National Historic Landmark ships Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna, a boatbuilding workshop, small boat rentals, hands-on exhibits and one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America.
For more information visit www.phillyseaport.org or call 215413-8655.