Independence Seaport Museum Celebrates Bassmaster Elite Series

Contact: Hope Koseff Corse

IndependenceSeaportMuseum

215-413-8631 (o) 484-431-1506 (c)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDEPENDENCE SEAPORT MUSEUM CELEBRATES BASSMASTER ELITE SERIES

Presenting Vintage Penn Reels on Display for the First Time

Philadelphia, PA(August 1, 2014) –Independence Seaport Museumvisitors will notice a new appearance to theSmith Gallery, located on the first floor of the Museum.To celebrate the Bassmaster Elite fishing tournament, the Seaport Museum will feature a display of vintage Penn Reels. This is the first time these reels will be publicly displayed. The reels were donated by former Penn Reels president, Herbert Henze, and will be on display at the Museum from August 2 through the end of the month.

Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Companywas founded in 1932 by German immigrant, Otto Henze. Located at 492 North Third Street in Philadelphia, the company quickly established itself as one of the premier manufactures of fishing equipment with its innovative fishing reels.

The Bassmaster Elite fishing tournament comes to the Delaware River August 7-10. The world’s top anglers will cast their lines in the four-day catch and release competition. Each day, the anglers will return to the Seaport Museum's dock and race their catch to the weigh in station on the Great Plaza. Museum visitors can watch the fishing activities at Penn’s Landing and enjoy the family-friendly expo that will take place adjacent to the Museum. Additionally, the Seaport Museum will offer a $2 discount off regular Museum admission to anyone who presents a valid fishing license. The discounted admission ticket includes access to the Museum, Historic Ships, and the vintage Penn Reels display.

Independence Seaport Museum maintains one of the largest maritime collections in North America, combining more than 25,000 artifacts with hands-on exhibits, small boat rentals and large-scale models. In addition to exhibits, the Museum has a traditional boat shop, the Workshop on the Water; the J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library and the Penn’s Landing Playhouse. The Museum also includes two National Historic Landmark ships; the Spanish-American War cruiser Olympia, and the World War II submarine Becuna. Located at Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing Waterfront, the Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit more information.

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