BethShip s Log The Official Newsletter of the Bethlehem Shipyard Museum Vol. 1, Issue 1 July 15, 2013 A not-for-profit museum whose MISSION is to connect the past with the future by preserving the history of the industrialization of the San Francisco Bay Area from 1849 to the present and honoring the dignity and value of the skilled labor that made it possible. IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR It can honestly be said that the fiscal year 2012-2013 marked a watershed in the permanent establishment of the Bethlehem Shipyard Museum. TAX EXEMPT STATUS In July of 2012, the Museum was granted non-profit, tax exempt status by the State of California. On March 25, 2013, the Museum was informed by the U.S. Treasury that the Bethlehem Shipyard Museum is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Kudos go out to Chairman Bill Perez for his persistence and hard work in securing for the Museum the non-profit status from both the Federal Government and the State of California. Our non-profit status allows us, stated Mr. Perez, to now accept donations that are completely tax deductible. A REAL ADDRESS On July 1, 2013, the Bethlehem Shipyard Museum was given permanent exhibit space at the San Francisco History Museum, located at 449 Powell Street, 4 th Floor, in the heart of downtown San Francisco s theater district. For directions and hours visit http://sfhistorymuseum.com. (Click Back button to return to Newsletter) Page 1 of 6
The 6,000 square foot San Francisco History Museum is on the top floor of the 449 Powell Street Building that boasts a SF Visitor Information Center and includes the Golden Gate Grill and Golden Gate Tap Room. The museum also highlights many SF-related exhibits such as authentic Alcatraz Jail Cells with Fred Pardini s (formerly of the SF Examiner) photos of the last day Alcatraz was a prison; The Gold Rush; Emperor Norton in wax, courtesy of Rodney Fong of the Wax Museum at Fisherman s Wharf; The Barbary Coast; The Panama Pacific International Exposition, courtesy of Donna Ewald Huggins; Mission Dolores, courtesy of Andrew Galvan and the Mission; The private collection of Barry Barsamian; and the famous 1906 Earthquake collection of Gladys and Richard Hansen. Watch for our grand opening later this summer! Bethlehem Shipyard Museum correspondence including tax deductible donations can be sent to: Bethlehem Shipyard Museum 449 Powell Street, 4 th Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 MARITIME DAY On April 28, 2013, the Museum was asked to exhibit its artifacts at Pier 1 as part of the Port of San Francisco s Maritime Day celebrations. It was special because it was the Museum s very first public exhibit. Page 2 of 6
Over 500 people visited the exhibit during the celebration of the Port s 150 th anniversary, and all had encouraging words for the quality and strength of our artifacts, as well as an overwhelming response for our mobile educational mission. We considered it a HUGE success because we got to introduce the Museum for the first time before an enthusiastic audience, with many of them offering assistance to us as we move forward. Thank YOU for joining us and helping to make our special day such a grand success. It was AMAZING, wasn t it? I was so impressed by you and your group and so happy that so many people got to see and experience your efforts. Kudos to you and your team! Monique Moyer, Executive Director, Port of San Francisco, pictured here with Bethlehem Steel Dockmaster Rudy Brito. UPCOMING MUSEUM EVENTS USS The Sullivans Celebration - "We Stick Together" On November 13, 2013, in association with the California Heritage Council, the Museum will co-host a celebration of the 1943 launching of the ship USS The Sullivans (DD-537). The Sullivans George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert, aged 20 to 27 were 5 brothers killed aboard the light cruiser USS Juneau at Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942. Clips from the 1944 movie The Fighting Sullivans will be shown that include interviews with the survivors, FDR, and the family from Iowa. Historic photographs will be on display of the USS Juneau and the USS San Francisco which were both involved in the battle. Come learn the backstory of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal and hear about Bethlehem Shipyard's contribution to the Sullivans memory. When: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Noon Where: Noonan Building at Pier 70 Page 3 of 6
Labor Day Exhibit On Labor Day September 2, 2013, International Longshore and Warehouse Union will be hosting a Labor Day Festival at ILWU Local #10 s Hiring Hall (400 North Point Street, San Francisco) at Fisherman s Wharf to honor Labor history and display contributions to the American way of life and conditions to the workplace. We invite you to participate by visiting the Bethlehem Shipyard Museum booth and enjoy live music, films, and historical displays. Bay Bridge Exhibit and New Eastern Span Opening Ceremony Once the grand opening of the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge is announced, we are planning an event the morning of the celebration at the San Francisco History Museum at 449 Powell Street. We'll have many photos of the construction/opening Day of the Bay Bridge, both the old and the new bridge. We'll also display an original recording disk, microphones and some video footage of "Opening Day" at the exhibit. Bethlehem Retiree Organization Luncheon Date and location to be announced for December 2013. Community Connections Dennis Koller, newly-appointed Executive Director of Bethlehem Shipyard Museum, was included as a public speaker at the May 2013 monthly meeting of the City of San Francisco s Veterans Affairs Commission and requested that the Museum be included as a possible action item. With all steel work complete by Bill Perez, Fred Brown, Gary Yeazell and Mr. Lee, the U.S. Coast Guard inspection passed on the beautifullyrestored paddle wheel boat, Spirit of Sacramento. The boat can now once again sail the waters of the Bay. Page 4 of 6
In February, several volunteers of the Bethlehem Shipyard Museum attended the Chamber of Commerce s 2013 Annual CityBeat Breakfast - Leading the Way, celebrating San Francisco s innovation and leadership. Along with important civic leaders such as Mayor Ed Lee, the World Series Champions trophies of the San Francisco Giants baseball team were on hand as artifacts of the City. Speaking of Artifacts! As we build out the Museum s permanent and mobile exhibits we ve discovered that a few key pieces are missing. Can you add to our collection of pictures of the SF Shipyard from the 1850s to the 1980s, chipping guns, hard hats, tool belts, fire suits, welding gear, drafting/survey equipment, log books and docking plans, uniform patches, and Bethlehem newsletters? In addition to your generous donations, gift-in-kind, estate plans, and volunteer time, the artifacts will be the capstone to the Museum and its outreach. Contact us at the email address or phone number listed at the end of this newsletter. DONATIONS Your tax deductible contribution will allow the Museum to bring San Francisco s maritime past to life and supports the educational programs that are a cornerstone of our vision. Donate by credit card from our secure link at www.bethship.org or send your check to: Bethlehem Shipyard Museum 449 Powell Street, 4 th Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 Page 5 of 6
CONTACT BETHLEHEM SHIPYARD MUSEUM Email: info@bethlehemshipyardmuseum.org Phone: (415) 467-3410 449 Powell Street, 4 th Floor San Francisco, CA 94102 Next edition October 2013 Join our Email List & Read the Latest News on www.bethship.org Like us & share! http://www.facebook.com/bethlehemshipyardmuseum Page 6 of 6