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Public Relations Coordinator
215.413.8631
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"BOATS FLOAT" ATPHILADELPHIA, PA -- Why do boats float? How do boats float? Answers to these time-old questions can be found in Independence Seaport Museum’s newest permanent exhibit, "Boats Float" which explores the art and science of boats and boatbuilding. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, June 24, 2000.
Located adjacent to the Museum’s boatbuilding workshop, "Workshop on the Water," this exciting interactive exhibit helps to answer the often asked questions of visitors, especially school children and young families: Why do boats float? Why are different boats different shapes? What keeps boats from tipping over? What are the different parts of boats and how do they work?
A combination of hands-on interactives and real objects engage visitors to explore the basic scientific principles at work in boat design and building. The highlight of the exhibit is a small boat that visitors can actually climb into and experience the sensation of movement of a small boat on a river, complete with sound effects and physical rocking! Visitors will also have the opportunity to steer sailboats in an "air pond" with wind created by fans, see a demonstration on how boatbuilders bend wood to build ships of different shapes, discover what makes boats float and explore the many other scientific facets of boating and boat design.
Expected to be a popular attraction at Independence Seaport Museum, the exhibit is designed for our youngest skippers to seasoned captains.
According to Roberta Cooks, Vice President of Interpretation and principal investigator for the exhibit, "we often don’t realize the basic principles which allow boats to float, let alone move from one point to another. The exhibit will provide a rich context for learning science, everything from engineering to meteorology to mathematics, by incorporating maritime artifacts and objects such as measuring instruments, tools and ships. It’ll be an experience for anyone who participates in the interactive exhibit!"
Celebrating its 40th birthday this year, Independence Seaport Museum is dedicated to exploring the maritime history of the Delaware River, Bay and tributaries. The Museum opened on Philadelphia's waterfront in July 1995 after more than 35 years of rich history as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum. The Museum is located on the Penn's Landing Waterfront at 211 S. Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street.
Easily accessible by car via I-95 Exit 16, bus, rail or ferry, parking is available at several lots on Penn's Landing as well as a number of garages within three blocks of the Museum. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Combined admission to Independence Seaport Museum exhibitions and Historic Ship Zone (OLYMPIA and BECUNA) is $7.50 for adults (ages 13-64), $3.50 for children (ages 5-12) and $6 for seniors (ages 65 and older). Children under the age of 5 are free. Museum-only and Ships-only tickets are $5 for adults (ages 13-64), $2.50 for children (ages 5-12) and $4 for seniors (ages 65 and older). Children under the age of 5 are free. Discounted rates are available for groups of 20 or more. RiverPass tickets including admission to Independence Seaport Museum and Historic Ship Zone, round trip passage on the Penn's Landing RiverLink Ferry and the New Jersey State Aquarium and Camden Children’s Garden are $18.50 for adults (ages 13-64), $13.50 for children (ages 2-12) and $16 for senior citizens (ages 65 and older). Children under 2 are free. CityPass tickets including admission to Independence Seaport Museum and Historic Ship Zone, The New Jersey State Aquarium and Camden Children’s Garden, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute Science Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo and Academy of Natural Sciences Museum are available at the deeply discounted rate of $28.50 for adults (ages 12 - 64), $21.25 for children (ages 3 - 11) and $23.75 for senior citizens (ages 65 and older). Children under 3 are free. For more information call 215.925-5439.
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