History

The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild was incorporated in 1985 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. This was formed by the earlier Philadelphia Heritage Society members. The Ship Guild, as it is commonly referred to, is dedicated to maintaining maritime vessels and operating the same in the safest possible manner.

Gazela was the first ship under the care of the Ship Guild. She was acquired from the City of Philadelphia in 1985 for the princely sum of $1. The Barnegat lightship was donated, as was the tug Jupiter and a lighter barge. The Jupiter and barge were the property of the Independent Pier Company, owned by the Meyle family. The Jupiter still bears the livery of that company.

In 1993, the Barnegat was sold to Pyne Point Marina where it remains beached. In 1999, Jupiter was sold to Penn's Landing, keeping it in Philadelphia. Gazela and the barge Poplar remain the Guild's only collection.