The shrinkwrap that had been applied as a protective measure to the superstructure of Columbia is no longer effective. We are planning stabilization measures that would protect the ship from the elements later this summer. Please email us at contact@sscolumbia.org if you would like to participate as a volunteer in planning an implementing this project and all donations towards this urgent effort will be gratefully received.

New York and Detroit MI (PRWEB) May 9, 2008 –

What: Volunteer friendraiser/fundraiser aboard the historic fireboat John J. Harvey to celebrate the SS Columbia’s 106th birthday. The SS Columbia is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest surviving excursion steamer in the United States.

Why: Recruiting volunteers for SS Columbia and John J. Harvey; celebrating successes; raising awareness of a New York Historic Landmark in need of funding and restoration; first of several National Maritime Day celebrations (May 22).

Note: At completion of her restoration, the SS Columbia will become a catalyst for eco-tourism on the Hudson River, connecting towns within the Hudson River Valley to their histories and providing opportunities for economic growth. Resurrected as a living ship, the Columbia will help promote jobs, simultaneously raising awareness of the scenic grandeur of the Hudson River, its valley, and the crucial need to preserve them.

When: Saturday, May 10th 2-4 p.m.

Where: Aboard the historic fireboat John J. Harvey, located on Pier 66 on the Hudson River between West 26th and West 27th Streets – 4 blocks north of Chelsea Piers. Parking is available on 11th Avenue. By Bus or Subway: Crosstown bus M23 to the Hudson River; Subway C, E, F, N, R, 1, 6, or 9 to 23rd Street, take the M23 bus or walk west, cross 12th Avenue at 23rd Street and walk approximately 3 blocks north. For map, please visit: http://www.fireboat.org/directions66.asp.

Who: Interviews available with Richard Anderson, President and Founder, The SS Columbia Project.

About the SS Columbia Project: The National Historic Landmark (NHL) vessel SS Columbia is the oldest surviving passenger steam vessel in the United States and the best remaining work by one of America’s greatest naval architects, Frank Kirby. The SSCP has received a New York State Environment Protection Fund (EPF) Challenge Grant for the amount of $400,000 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation bringing the total of current challenge grants to $750,000. EPF grants are awarded to local communities and organizations to assist with waterfront revitalization projects, historic preservation efforts, expanding open space, and increasing access to public lands. The SSCP previously received an EPF Challenge Grant of $350,000 in 2006. To volunteer or learn more, please visit www.sscolumbia.org.

Contact:
Thor Harris, Percepture (201-206-0903)
tharris(at)percepture.com

Contact on Board:
Cynthia Artin, Artin Arts
(845-304-3790)
cynthia(at)artinarts.com

Inquiries:Richard Anderson, President, SS Columbia Project
andsn.interport(at)rcn.com
(212-228-3128)

SS Columbia Project
232 E. 11th Street
New York, NY 10003

The SSCP has received a New York State Environment Protection Fund (EPF) Challenge grant for the amount of $400,000 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation bringing the total of our challenge grants to $750,000. EPF grants are awarded to local communities and organizations to assist with waterfront revitalization projects, historic preservation efforts, expanding open space, and increasing access to public lands. The SSCP previously received an EPF Challenge grant of $350,000 in 2006. The awarded funds will go towards the transportation of the Columbia from Detroit to New York and the first phases of the restoration of the Columbia. We need your help in raising the matching funds that will allow us to initiate these essential preliminary phases of the project.

We are expanding our offices at the Neighborhood Preservation Center to accommodate our growing number of volunteers and to help us lay the groundwork for our capital campaign. The SSCP is an entirely volunteer-run organization and is fortunate to be based in the historic landmark rectory of St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery located in the heart of the East Village in New York City, among other groups dedicated to the preservation and protection of the cultural heritage of our city. With a new total of $750,000 in challenge grants our office expansion will allow us more room to focus and coordinate the crucial capital campaign to raise the matching funds. We are grateful to Felicia Mayro and the staff at NPC and its parent organization the St. Mark’s Landmark fund for their ongoing support.

The SSCP has received an Initiative grant of $5,000 from the NYS legislature. The grant was made possible through the kind sponsorship of Senator Thomas P. Morahan of the 38th senate district of New York and will be used for infrastructural enhancement.