Cold Iron Watch Still Needs Lots of Cash

The Battleship New Jersey Museum in Camden, New Jersey has been the caretaker of the retired Iowa-class battlewagon USS New Jersey (BB-62) for the past 20 years, picking up the legendary ship after its 4th stint in mothballs. The museum normally has 92 staff, mostly part-time guides and giftshop clerks whose hours peak in summer (May-Sept), while 10 full-time maintenance and security personnel operate year-round.

The thing is, 2020 wasn’t a normal year and the vessel is closed to the public at least until March.

Further, they have a dire revenue shortfall due to COVID lockdowns. No tours = no cash. 

And it’s not Uncle Sam’s problem. In other words, lots of pork in the COVID relief bills but not a dollar for historic battleships. 

We had to cancel several of our major revenue-generating programs, including group tours, special events, and overnights. Due to the closures and elimination of programs, the ship has lost over $1.5 million this past year.

Unfortunately, our expenses do not stop. As much as we have cut back in personnel and energy usage, we still have required expenses to maintain and preserve the World’s Greatest Battleship. Below is a list of some of the expenses the ship incurs on a weekly basis:

• Gas & Electric (in energy savings mode) $7,238 or $1,034 per day
• Liability & Property Insurance $3,500 or $500 per day
• Maintenance $5,754 or $822 per day
• Security $3,500 or $500 per day
• Curatorial & Education $4,585 or $655 per day

The Battleship needs to raise $56,176 or $3,511 per day to cover the above costs through the end of the year.
We need your help now! Please consider making a donation to the Battleship, or becoming a Member, or even purchasing a gift from the online Ship’s Store this Holiday Season.

The Battleship New Jersey has answered the call to defend our nation since World War II. Now we ask you to answer the call and support our nation’s most decorated battleship.

Donations to help the Battleship New Jersey can be made through:

Online:
http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/give

Mail:
Battleship New Jersey
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ 08103