Battleship Tightens Her Belt for 2010

“Due to past and projected issues concerning our nation’s economy, we are making some changes in order to continue to maintain a positive bottom line,” explained Jim Schuck, CEO and President of the Battleship New Jersey. “We are very grateful for the support from the State in the past and in the future. Further, if it were not for the support of our sponsors, like Dietz & Watson, AmeriHealth, TD Bank, Pepsi, Comcast, Susquehanna Bank, and NJ Transit, along with our partners, the Delaware River Port Authority, South Jersey Port and Camden County who have always been there for us and finally our members, donors and guests, we would not be able to keep this historic Battleship open at all.

Some of the changes in store for the ship will be a reduction in staffing and the ship’s curatorial, education, marketing and operations budget. Hours of operation for 2010 will also be reduced. The Battleship’s popular and successful Overnight Encampment program will remain unchanged and will continue to be open every weekend throughout the entire year. Large groups, including schools and tour groups, along with Rentals for Special Events will continue to be accommodated throughout the year. Other than these events, the ship will be closed to the general public through the month of January. In February and March, the ship will be open for public tours on Saturday and Sunday. Beginning in April, through Labor Day the ship will be open seven days a week for all Events, groups and the general public. Following Labor Day, through the end of the year, the ship will be open Saturday and Sundays only for the general public, but as always, will accommodate large groups, encampments and Rentals for Special Events.

“We will continue to maintain the Battleship to the standards required by the Navy. Our operation and maintenance activities will continue to be supported by the hundreds of battleship volunteers. Their service to the ship has been extraordinary from prior to the ship’s opening to the public and continues to this very day,” said Schuck. “We will still offer our overnight encampment program, Events, group and tour guests the best experience possible. Visitors to the ship will notice no difference because of our outstanding staff. We will have to postpone new projects, tour routes, replacing the teak deck and painting the hull and superstructure.”

Schuck added that the Battleship will increase its efforts to pursue corporate partnerships, foundation funding, grant opportunities and fund raising events. “As our nation’s largest and most decorated battleship, we are grateful for the support we have received from area corporations and foundations. During these difficult economic times, we will aggressively pursue additional funding opportunities and partners to enhance the presence of our nation’s largest and most decorated battleship. This national treasure offers the unique benefits of history, patriotism, public exposure and hospitality to all who visits. With increased regional, corporate, and support from new partners,we will be able to once again grow the Battleship experience, get new projects started that honor the Battleships experience and presence to the level that will honor our nation and those who have served.

The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is a 501C non-profit which offers guided and self-guided tours, overnight encampments program. Guests experience dinner and lunch from the crew’s mess, a tour of the ship, a ride on the 4D flight simulator and the opportunity to sleep in the bunks that the crew of the USS New Jersey once did. Also, special group packages and event/meeting space are available. For more information, call 856-966-1652 or visit the Battleship at www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

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Author: Press Release--The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial