Disasters on the Delaware: Rescues on the River Exhibition

Since the foundation of Philadelphia, the Delaware River has been vital to its life, growth and prosperity. Like today’s highways, the Delaware was, and still is, a bustling thoroughfare teeming with commercial, passenger, and military vessels.

Because of the volume and variety of traffic it has seen, the Delaware River has also been the site of many maritime disasters over the years. “Disasters on the Delaware: Rescues on the River” is a survey of these catastrophes – from shipwrecks and collisions to fires and explosions. Beginning with the explosion of the frigate HMS Augusta during the Revolutionary War and continuing up to the 20th century, the exhibition explores the causes and effects of these tragic events, as well as highlighting the heroic first responders who risk their lives to save others.

Cannonball Press, a Brooklyn-based cooperative of artists specializing in woodcut designs is producing a series of contemporary prints depicting stories from the exhibition. These print editions provide illustrations for forgotten disasters that only survive in descriptions, and smaller prints will be available for purchase. Visitors to the exhibition can also take home a free 20-page tabloid keepsake, produced in partnership with the Philadelphia Weekly, which includes illustrations and more details about events featured in the exhibition.

For more information visit www.phillyseaport.org