Sunderland Maritime Heritage is a registered charity and was formed in 2000 in response to an application by the Scottish Maritime Museum for the clipper ship 'City of Adelaide' to be broken up. The 'City of Adelaide' is the oldest surviving example of a composite built sailing ship. She was extensively involved in the emigrant trade to Australia in the nineteenth century, with many South Australians today being able to trace their ancestors arrival to the country on board her.

Sunderland Maritime Heritage is of the opinion that the 'City of Adelaide' should return for restoration to the river where she was launched in 1864, and then as the centre piece of a maritime heritage centre commemorating the 600 year tradition of shipbuilding on the banks of the river Wear at Sunderland. While the fate of the 'City of Adelaide' has still not been resolved, we continue with the process of acquiring artefacts, pictures, books and other vessels towards a future maritime heritage centre.

Sunderland Maritime Heritage
Unit 2
Church Street East
Sunderland
SR1 2BB

Telephone 0191 510 2540

Mission Statement

To promote and maintain our maritime heritage through the use of an interactive maritime centre demonstrating the crafts, skills and trades associated with our seafaring history.

Our Aims

We want to share with you the story of the river Wear and explore the achievements of the community whose skills made Sunderland one of the greatest shipbuilding centres of the last century.