Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps events happening in Philadelphia and Camden

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The American Swedish Historical Museum kicked off Homecoming 250, the Navy and Marine Corps' anniversary celebration with a special exhibition. It's called "Let Victory Tell the Rest! 250 Years of Shipbuilding in Greater Philadelphia."

One part of the exhibition tells about the Frigate Philadelphia, which was built near Old Swedes' Church on the old Navy Yard.

It's fitting to have this exhibition on view here since Philadelphia is the birthplace of the Navy and Marine Corps.

George Leone, President of Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps, says that even before the U.S. declared independence, the Navy and Marine Corps were founded, and this was their home for over 200 years.

A group of volunteers started Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps to plan activities right here for the country to enjoy and museums around Philadelphia and Camden offered space for exhibits.

Brett Peters is the Curator for the American Swedish Historical Museum. He says this latest exhibition chronicles "the evolution of ships being made of solely live oak with sails and masts to the ironclad ships and battleships of today."

Visitors can learn about vessels like the USS Saratoga.

"John Ericsson was the designer of the USS Monitor. He was born in Sweden," says Peters.

Independence Seaport Museum has ongoing exhibitions.

"And besides that, they have the most famous cruiser in Navy history, the Olympia, and the submarine Becuna there," says Leone.

On the other side of the river, you can check out the Battleship New Jersey, which has created a special exhibit on how the Navy supports our friends throughout the world.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is opening a special exhibit September 13, 2025, which will be talking about the Maritime Underground Railroad.

More events are coming soon, and Homecoming 250 invites you to be a part of history.

"It's a great chance to celebrate our country and celebrate the armed services, and the people who defend us every day," says Leone.

"And Let Victory Tell the Rest!" is on view through January 4, 2026 at the American Swedish Historical Museum.

For more information:

American Swedish Historical Museum - "And Let Victory Tell the Rest!"
Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps
Full Schedule of Events

American Swedish Historical Museum
1900 Pattison Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19145