"Pendleton Rescue" painting by Tony Falcone falconeartstudio.com
The Coast Guard 36500 of Finest Hours fame is more than a lifeboat—it’s a symbol of heroism, service, and the enduring legacy of lifesaving on Cape Cod. The CG36500 ranks among the most iconic vessels in Coast Guard history, its preservation is a tribute to those who risked everything to save others. But time is running out. Without immediate action, this national treasure could be lost forever. Through Campaign CG36500, we aim to preserve the vessel, build a museum to honor its story, and educate future generations on the lifesaving history of Cape Cod. Your support will ensure this legacy lives on. Together, we can safeguard history and inspire courage and leadership for generations to come.
Honor. Respect. Devotion to Duty:
The Legacy of the CG36500
Bernie Webber, Andrew Fitzgerald, Richard Livesey, Ervin Maske after the rescue. Each received the Gold Life-Saving Medal, the highest award the Coast Guard can bestow.
A Remarkable History...
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Night of February 18, 1952, in Chatham, MA.
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Ferocious 70-knot storm, towering 40’ waves.
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Four Coast Guardsmen set out on the tiny 36' lifeboat to do the impossible.
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Returned with 32 survivors from the Pendleton.
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Still known today as the “Greatest Small-Boat Rescue in Coast Guard History.”
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Daring rescue is immortalized in best-selling book and Disney film, The Finest Hours.
CG36500: A Rescue Story in Itself
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Boat was retired in 1968 after 22 years of USCG service, and then nearly forgotten.
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In 1981, Orleans Historical Society acquired it and launched a meticulous restoration.
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Thanks to dedicated volunteers, grants and generous donations, it was brought back to life.
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Today, it is the only operational survivor of its class in New England and one of the few in the U.S.
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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Draws thousands of visitors annually to its summer berth in Orleans, MA.
After restoration
CG36500 before restoration
CG36500 Can’t Stay in the Water
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Wooden boats like CG36500 need to stay in the water to keep hull watertight.
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Yet rising costs (maintenance, fuel, insurance) and constant exposure to the harsh weather make this more difficult.
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80-year-old boat needs permanent protection and preservation indoors.
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Ocean Rescue Museum of Cape Code will:
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give CG36500 a dedicated home,
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enable its story to be told year-round,
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honor USCG and its predecessors,
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exhibit the Cape's 400 years of maritime rescue history.
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A Permanent Home
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Museum will be an addition to existing building on Orleans Historical Society property.
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Structure will reflect Cape Cod’s seaside architectural heritage.
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Building elements reminiscent of Orleans’ 1870s “Red House” Lifesaving Station.
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Approximately 3,000 s.f. of floor space on main floor, balcony.
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Large glass front panel enables dramatic boat views day/night.
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Build, museum cost: $4 million.
Multi-Sensory Exhibits
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Museum interior will feature four
viewing levels of the CG36500.
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Balcony (pier) level provides
look from slightly above.
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Dramatic mural on deck level
contrasts Pendleton’s massive
stern with CG36500 alongside.
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Main floor is at waterline with
map of break-up, drift, rescue.
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Lowest level provides view of
bronze keel, Monel ice plating.
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Each level will have interpretive
exhibits.
Overall soundscape of howling wind, crashing waves, grinding steel of Pendleton breaking apart will give visitors a sense of urgency, danger and courage shown during the heroic rescue.
Together, We Can Save the CG36500
The CG36500 embodies the finest traditions of the U.S. Coast Guard, its predecessor organizations, and the countless brave individuals who have risked their lives over four centuries to save others.
Now, it is time to give this remarkable lifeboat a special place of its own—a permanent home where its story can be shared, honored and preserved.
We owe it not only to the heroic crew of the CG36500, but to all the men and women who continue to serve and protect our shores with courage and selflessness.
Orleans Historical Society, P.O. Box 353 (3 River Road), Orleans, MA 02653
508-240-1329 savetheCG36500.org info@savetheCG36500.org
TAX ID #046168175 (exp. 2035)