Help Us Build the Lusitania Museum
Make a tax-deductible donation to friends of the lusitania to help us build the Lusitania museum at the old head of Kinsale, Ireland
Who We Are
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
In December of 2021, Friends of the Lusitania, Inc. was approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for the purpose of raising funds for: (1) firstly, the construction of the Lusitania Museum at Old Head in Ireland; and (2) secondly, undertaking a maritime archaeological exploration of the cargo holds of the Lusitania after construction of the museum. The former proprietor of the wreckage of the RMS Lusitania, Gregg Bemis, bequeathed the wreckage to the Lusitania Museum upon his death in 2021. The Lusitania Museum is the owner of the wreckage of the Lusitania itself. Learn more about Gregg Bemis here. Friends of the Lusitania seeks donations for completing construction of the Lusitania Museum.
Resources
Ownership of the Wreckage
The Supreme Court of Ireland ruled in 2007 that Gregg Bemis, an American, was the sole owner of the wreckage of the Lusitania in a decision here. The same was held by The High Court of Admiralty of the United Kingdom. Mr. Bemis devised his ownership of the wreckage to the Lusitania Museum in Ireland upon his death in 2020. As the owner of the wreckage of the Lusitania, dives of the Lusitania wreckage are legally permitted only with express permission of the museum. Learn about the history of the RMS Lusitania here. Learn more about the late Gregg Bemis here. the owner of the Lusitania salvage from 1967 to 2020.
History of the Lusitania
Learn about the history of the RMS Lusitania here. We are grateful for this essay contributed to us for use in fundraising by Mitch Peeke, author of: The Lusitania Story.
Ownership of the Wreckage
The Supreme Court of Ireland ruled in 2007 that Gregg Bemis, an American, was the sole owner of the wreckage of the Lusitania in a decision here. The same was held by The High Court of Admiralty of the United Kingdom. Mr. Bemis devised his ownership of the wreckage to the Lusitania Museum in Ireland upon his death.
Tribute to Gregg Bemis
The late Gregg Bemis (1928-2020) was the owner of the wreckage of the Lusitania from 1967 until 2020. See a tribute to Mr. Bemis here, by Con Hayes writing for all involved in the Lusitania Museum, to the Bemis family.
Old Head Signal Tower
The Old Head Signal Tower is the current location of the museum and adjacent to the future planned construction site.
Diving the Lusitania
In 2019, the Irish Government granted permission for the first time to Gregg Bemis to undertake a maritime archaeological expedition of the wreckage of the Lusitania. Mr. Bemis and his team signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Minister of Culture and Heritage of the Irish Government.
Budgetary Needs
See plans for the new museum and a summary of budgetary needs.
My father owned the salvage rights to the Lusitania for almost 50 years. With his own funds, he litigated to have these rights recognized in Ireland and the UK. He is proud to now make the Lusitania Museum the beneficiary of his efforts.”
– David Bemis
Eoin McGarry
“As a master technical diver, I am proud to have known and worked with Gregg to explore some areas of the wreckage. I hope that further efforts can continue and encourage all interested in the legacy of the Lusitania to contribute.”
Con Hayes
“I am the Company Secretary of the Lusitania Museum/Old Head Signal Heritage CLG. We have commissioned an architectural team to oversee the construction of a modern museum dedicated to telling the story of the Lusitania. Planning is at an advanced stage. Please help us realize this goal.”
Steven Rinehart
“The Lusitania is a priceless archaeological treasure. Her importance to the military histories of the United States, Ireland and all of Europe is incalcuable. It is crucial we protect her future and her past.”