Naval Base Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Northern Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command; Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc.; and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation With the end of the Cold War, Congress mandated closure or consolidation of many defense installations nationwide. Among those scheduled for partial or complete closure was Naval Base Philadelphia, encompassing the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The installation was to be transferred to the city of Philadelphia for redevelopment. Pursuant to this action, JMA was retained to assist in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. This mandate required that the U.S. Navy take into consideration the effects of the transfer on historic properties and seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects. Initially, JMA conducted a historic architectural survey and significance evaluation of the entire facility. Subsequently, JMA prepared a National Register nomination for the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Historic District (1873–1945). In conjunction with conversion of a portion of the shipyard to commercial use, JMA prepared an assessment of effect and drafted a memorandum of agreement. As mitigation associated with the redevelopment, JMA prepared a range of interpretive products, including Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) and state-level written, graphic, and photographic documentation of numerous assembly buildings and dry docks; a pair of permanent on-site display panels that summarized the importance of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in U.S. history, particularly during the World War II period; and a popular history. The popular history, titled Warships and Yardbirds: An Illustrated History of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, has been recognized by two professional organizations: the American Association for State and Local History (2001 Certificate of Commendation) and the American Cultural Resources Association (2000 Quality Product Award). It skillfully demonstrates how the federal historic preservation compliance process can be employed to introduce a particular aspect of local history to the general public in a user-friendly manner. The book is inviting in format, graphics, and text. Large numbers of historic photographs and other illustrations attract the casual browser, as well as the more serious reader. A glossary assists the reader in understanding naval terminology, while a list of print and electronic sources encourages the reader to “learn more about it.” Near the end of the book is a complete list of ships that were either built or serviced at the shipyard. This list has proved useful to naval enthusiasts, former shipyard employees, and veterans alike. JMA Staff: Richard Meyer, Douglas C. McVarish, Sarah J. Ruch, Robert E. Schultz, Margaret S. Schoettle, B.J. Titus To Top