Freshly posted on uwishunu.com – my piece on “Skin and Bones: Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor.” Now you have the perfect excuse to visit the Independence Seaport Museum and indulge your love of all things maritime-related.

Philly’s a tattoo, town, all right. Just throw a rock (or a can of PBR) and you’ll probably end up bruising someone who’s sporting ink. It’s only fitting, then, that the Independence Seaport Museum is hosting “Skin & Bones: Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor,” an exciting exhibit that examines the tradition of tattoos among the seafaring Americans who introduced skin art culture to the masses.

Visitors will learn all about tattooing tools and methods and hear recorded stories told by the tattooed sailors themselves. There’s also an extensive display of flash and other tattoo-related art, historic photographs and mementos from way back, including a reproduction of an old school tattoo parlor.

The exhibit is complimented by additional programming, such as a fall screening of the documentary “Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry,” which was directed by Philly native Erich Weiss. And if your trip to the museum doesn’t inspire you to go under the needle yourself, there’s no need to feel like a poser. The gift shop stocks plenty of temporary tattoos, posters, tee shirts and more so you can take the plunge without the commitment. Your mom will be so proud!

Skin & Bones, Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor, runs through January 3, 2010 at The Independence Seaport Museum, Penn’s Landing. Hours are 10 pm-5 pm daily.

Independence Seaport Museum
211 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3199
(215) 925-5439