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Creating Job Opportunities While Preserving Maritime History

Updated: 5 days ago

The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild is undergoing a transformative process to serve as an on-ramp to maritime trades careers for young Philadelphians, all while continuing its decades-long tradition of volunteer engagement. This ambitious vision consists of three interconnected elements: Seaworthy Historic Vessels, Skilled-Trades Education, and a Preservation Shipyard and Education Center.


For over 5 decades, the PSPG has maintained and operated its historic vessels with modest resources and ambitions. While this approach has granted hundreds of individuals access to life-changing experiences aboard our ships, it has also created an insular and self-selecting community. Our goal is to broaden our reach and make a positive, meaningful impact on the regional population.


The repair, maintenance, and operation of our vessels involve a variety of skilled trades, including carpentry, welding, mechanics, electrical work, and plumbing. For decades, we have welcomed volunteers from all walks of life, providing them opportunities to develop these essential skills. Now, we aim to use our vessels and their maintenance needs as a platform to introduce young people to these trades, paving the way for good-paying, sustainable careers.


The PSPG is deeply committed to keeping its historic vessels operational. The experience of being underway cannot be replicated on a static dockside ship, and the unique skills required to operate these vessels, once lost, would be challenging to relearn. Furthermore, actively sailing vessels require ongoing maintenance and care that are often overlooked in static displays. This proactive approach significantly extends the lifespan of our ships.


To enable this vision, the PSPG needs to establish its own land facility. By no longer relying on the goodwill of others, we can invest in infrastructure specifically tailored to our programming needs. This facility would include the capacity to dry dock the Gazela and perform comprehensive hull repairs. Such capabilities would not only benefit our organization but also serve as a valuable resource for other historic and educational vessels throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

This ambitious plan will build the Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild into a vibrant center for maritime trades education and community engagement. We are excited about the potential this initiative holds for shaping the future of young Philadelphians and revitalizing our maritime heritage.


In the upcoming Monthly Newsletters, we will delve deeper into each of these interconnected elements, exploring how they collectively support our mission and the tangible benefits they offer to the community. We invite you to join us on this journey as we work to create lasting opportunities for the next generation.

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