The Alexandria-based Tall Ship Providence Foundation is suspending its educational and tour programs on the Potomac River, effective Friday, June 26, the organization announced today (Monday).
The decision, which was recently made by the nonprofit’s board, means Tall Ship Providence will be sold if significant funding is not found, the organization’s Executive Director Kathy Seifert told ALXnow. As it stands, the bar at the floating pier at Waterfront Park will stay open to pay for upkeep of the ship, which Seifert says will stay docked in Alexandria until the end of the summer.
“There was too much money going out and not enough going in,” Seifert said, adding that the organization needs a couple million dollars to stay afloat.
The Providence is a replica of the first naval warship commissioned by the Continental Congress in 1775. Since 2023, visitors have been welcomed aboard by actors portraying historical figures. Tours are an hour long, with visitors buying tickets for the suggested price of $25.
The Providence was also recently highlighted in the Sails on the Potomac event on the waterfront with three other tall ships, commemorating America’s 250th birthday.
“The decision to suspend these operations was not made lightly, and the Foundation’s board and staff share in the sadness felt by the community that has supported this mission so faithfully,” the foundation said in a release. “During this period of suspension, the Foundation intends to evaluate possible strategic alternatives to maintain operations consistent with its non-profit mission.”
Alternatives include merging with the United States Maritime Foundation, which is raising funds to launch a museum near Waterfront Park. It could include the Providence’s current home and visitors center.
“We’re looking for a Hail Mary,” Seifert said. “We need a couple million to get our feet on the ground to operate, pay bills, start this merger with the museum, which could be a spectacular project for Old Town.”
