The coloured image shows in the centre a view of Circular Quay in black and white, within an oval. Above this oval and along the upper edge is an illustration of two hands held together- that of a man's on the left, with the American flag and a woman's on the right, with the Australian naval (red) flag. The printed text above the oval reads: 'Souvenir of United States Fleet's Visit to Australia 1908'

American Friends

Supporting donations from the USA to the Australian National Maritime Museum.

American citizens are invited to make financial or cultural artefact donations to the Australian National Maritime Museum through American Friends of the Museum.

The American Friends of the Australian National Maritime Museum was established in 1999 following the United States government’s generous donation to the Museum to celebrate the Australian Bicentenary. It provides an opportunity for US-based donors to consider donating objects and funds to support the Museum. 

The Museum hosts diverse exhibitions about maritime history, science, technology, art and design that showcase the close links between the two countries. 

Among the significant achievements of the Friends has been the acquisition of the Sydney Punchbowl. This very rare example of an early 19th century punchbowl depicts Sydney Cove as viewed from the west in about 1820, and was a gift and part-purchase from Peter Frelinghuysen that was made possible by the Friends.

Make a Tax-Friendly Donation

The American Friends of the Museum warmly welcome donations of cash or significant objects by US citizens relating to Australia’s maritime links with the United States. If based in the United States of America, donors can gain tax benefits under Section 5501Ce of the USA Internal Revenue Service Code. 

More Information

Email: foundation@sea.museum 

American Friends of the Australian National Maritime Museum
c/- Baker McKenzie
452 Fifth Avenue
NEW YORK NY10018 - 0000

Achievement - The Sydney Punchbowl

This rare 1820 punchbowl provides a remarkably accurate depiction of the view of Sydney Cove from the western shore. It was discovered in the United States in the 1980s, and was generously donated to the Museum by Peter Frelinghuysen II with the assistance of the American Friends. 

USA Gallery Fellowship

The USA Gallery Fellowship is open to scholars and museum professionals. It aims to foster professional relationships with key American cultural institutions in Australia and the USA, to contribute to interpretative and research programs, and to develop synergies between our National Maritime Collection and respective US collections.

Board of Directors of the American Friends of the Australian National Maritime Museum

John Mullen AM (Chairman)
Daryl Karp AM
Robert Moore II