Mission_and_Contacts



*“FRIENDS OF THE ALLIGATOR, Inc.”* *(A Pennsylvania corporation)* *Mission* The “Friends of the Alligator” (FOTA) is an organization dedicated to supporting the history, technology and maritime education of the U.S. Navy’s first submarine: the USS Alligator; and to ensure and memorialize its rightful place in Civil War, American and World History. *Vision* The “Friends of the Alligator” seeks to aid in raising funds for the search, recovery, conservation and ultimate exhibition of the submarine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – its birthplace; and will endeavor to provide the resources to construct and maintain a full-scale working replica that will be installed as a heritage tourism attraction celebrating the heroes of the Civil War – all the sailors, soldiers and civilians that fought to preserve the glorious Union and the freedom of Americans from that immortal conflict and into the present day. *Governance* The “Friends of the Alligator” is comprised of incorporating trustees and a diverse Advisory Board of Directors whose guidance will help support the organization in all aspects of its educational and historical mission – and will seek to collaborate and cooperate with all interested parties and organizations dedicated to Civil War history, maritime preservation and technology. The incorporating trustees shall oversee operations and fiduciary duties and seek to govern within best practices of non-profit organizational management. *Charter Sponsors* The “Friends of the Alligator” will provide opportunities for sustaining patrons at varying levels of support and sponsorship on behalf of the Advisory Board and Membership. It is both a goal and a challenge to ensure that the interests and activities of the organization are funded into perpetuity. This premier membership class will be seen as investors and stakeholders in the mission and receive all rights and benefits appertaining to their contribution. *Membership* The “Friends of the Alligator” will be an open and non-restrictive public membership and benefit organization made up of interested individuals, enthusiasts, patrons, corporations and government agencies that will assist in maintaining the goals, objectives and vision of the organization; as well as to provide a volunteer resource in helping the USS Alligator to navigate to her rightful and long-overdue place in history. *Activities* The ‘Friends of the Alligator” will provide an ongoing venue for special events, educational forums, symposiums and membership activities to inform its members and educate the general public about the submarine, its mission and recent attempts to locate its resting place; as well as to provide opportunities for fellowship and information exchange amongst Civil War, military and maritime enthusiasts, students, scholars, educators and historians.
Email Friends of the Alligator: *Contact List:* Friends of the Alligator (FOTA) Incorporating Trustees, Officers and Advisory Board Members James B. Straw President & Incorporating Trustee Kise Straw & Kolodner, Inc. Philadelphia, PA 19109 John Haslett Vice President Philadelphia, PA 19123 Lawrence Green Treasurer Director of Sponsored Programs Cheyney University Cheyney, PA 19317 Alice Smith Acting Secretary Delran, NJ 08075 Robert Beaty Provenance Architectural Antiques Philadelphia, PA Ronald Shaffer, Esq. Solicitor and Incorporating Trustee Fox Rothschild LLP Philadelphia, PA 19103 `Theodore P. Savas` `Savas Beatie LLC` `P.O. Box 4527` `El Dorado Hills, CA 95762` Daniel J. Basta Advisory Board Member National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Jim Christley Advisory Board Member Lisbon, CT 06351 Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen, USN (ret) Honorary Advisory Board Member Under Secretary for Science and Technology Department of Homeland Security Rear Admiral Jay Deloach Advisory Board Member Reserve Deputy for Resources, Budgets and Capabilities Scott Jenkins Advisory Board Member SMJ Corporation One Tower Bridge 100 Front Street, Suite 1410 West Conshohocken, PA 19428 Jeff Malone Advisory Board Member Lieutenant, US Navy (ret) Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067-5290 Ted Newbold Advisory Board Member Acting President, Independence Seaport Museum Philadelphia, PA 19106 Tim Smalley Advisory Board Member President of The SubCommittee South Saint Paul, MN 55075-5800 Chuck Veit Advisory Board Member President of the Navy and Marine Living History Association `North Attleboro`, MA 02760 `Eric J. Wittenberg Advisory Board Member -Civil War Author & Historian` `Columbus, OH 43213`