VIDEO: Cruiser Olympia - 6abc Loves the Arts

The oldest surviving steel war ship in the world calls Philadelphia its home and this summer you can see more of it than ever before.

First commissioned in 1895, the Cruiser Olympia is one of the most significant naval vessels in US history and, after years of restorations, it is opening up the bowels of the ship for a behind- the-scenes look.

Sitting on the banks of the Delaware is the only surviving vessel from the Spanish-American War. Today, the Olympia plays host to year-round tours, events and summer camps that aim to keep its history alive.

"It was the flagship of the Adriatic Squadron and really was the ship that launched America into being the dominant power in the world for the last hundred years," says Jesse Lebovics, Director of Historic Ships for Independence Seaport Museum.

The week-long day camps offer different activities and stories all summer long, while the overnight camp allows students have a more realistic experience. Lebovics says you can even sleep where the sailors slept, "groups get to be essentially sailors, crew on board for a single day and see what it's like to actually live on the Olympia as they did a hundred years ago."

But Lebovics says he is most excited to show off the newly restored parts of the ship that are on display in the Olympia's behind-the-scenes tours.

"There is a brig on board and it's restored to the same condition it was in WW1 when it was assembled in this configuration. One of the steam engines on board has been made in working order, and visitors do have the opportunity to go below and see these unique machines and these unique spaces, uhh which have been restored to a point where it looks as if they're functional."

Behind the Scenes tours run the first Saturday of every month and camps run throughout the summer. For tickets and tour times go to www.theartsinphilly.org.

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