teen programs
education is key
At Independence Seaport Museum, we believe education is key for inspiring future generations of thinkers, historians, engineers, builders, and conservationists. All of our programs center around not only our mission, but how the skills learned can be adapted to their daily lives and help improve their community. We offer a wide array of programs suitable for high school students.
TEEN Ambassadors
The Teen Ambassadors program is a ten-week, paid work and learning experience for Philadelphia teens entering 10th-12th grade. The program trains teens to work as ambassadors of sustainability, STEAM and history for Independence Seaport Museum visitors. As Teen Ambassadors, you will work together to create lessons based on topics like environmental justice, creatures of the Delaware River, and the history of our city Philadelphia. You will then present your lessons and activities to museum visitors in our galleries and science exhibit! This unique program form allows high school students to earn money, learn about the science and history of the Delaware, and move forward as resources to and advocates for their respective communities.
The Teen Ambassadors program is EXTENDING into the fall! It will now run from October to December, both after school and on the occasional Saturday.
For more information, click here!
Apply here!
Support for Independence Seaport Museum’s Teen Ambassadors is provided by The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust, The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, and the Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation.
Seaport shipwright Program
Formally known as the SAILOR Program, the Seaport Shipwright Program immerses high school students across their 4 years. Hands-on STEM (and STEELS) programming introduces them to the world of boatbuilding and carpentry while applying core curriculum concepts and lessons.
Freshmen and Sophomores are introduced to core concepts of boatbuilding and design through our 10 – 13-week programs.
Juniors and Seniors who have completed the Fall and Spring classes are eligible to participate in the full school year apprenticeship. Students in the apprenticeship will work in the shop alongside ISM’s shipwrights as they gain important on the job experience and technical skills as closely aligned with PA Career Ready Skills.
Apply here!
Support for Independence Seaport Museum’s SAILOR Program is provided by the Helen D. Groome Beatty Trust.
How to get here:
Independence Seaport Museum is located on Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing waterfront. We are a short walk from the Old City historic district and can be accessed on foot either from Market Street (Follow the steps down to the river and then walk along the water until you see our building.) or from Columbus Boulevard (Cross over Columbus Boulevard via Dock Street, make a left at the Hilton, and then a right at the Walnut Street light. Then continue straight until you see our building).
Public Transportation
- SEPTA: Bus routes 17*, 21*, 25, 42*, and 48. Market-Frankford Line, 2nd street station
- PATCO: The 8th & Market stop is the closest to the Museum, just a quick cab ride or walk through the historic district.
- Use GoPhillyGo for biking, walking, and public transportation directions to visit us.
* Indicates routes that have been rerouted due to the closure of the Chestnut Street Bridge. Please click here to learn more.
visit the seaport museum
Immerse yourself in award-winning exhibitions and climb aboard the Olympia, a nineteenth-century cruiser, and the Becuna, a World War II-era submarine.