The Tun Legacy Foundation Forms Advisory Committee

Today, The Tun Legacy Foundation, Inc., announced the formation of The Tun Legacy Foundation Advisory Committee to provide strategic counsel and specialized knowledge in the effort to rebuild the historic Tun in Philadelphia – birthplace of the United States Marines Corps (1775) and Pennsylvania Freemasonry (where the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was formed in 1731). The highly distinguished group is composed of senior-level retired Marines, including a Medal of Honor recipient, as well as two Pennsylvania Freemasons, including a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

In their volunteer roles, the 11 committee members will support the mission of the Foundation by raising awareness about the project, aiding outreach efforts, making introductions to potential donors and supporters, serving as spokespersons, and providing guidance by participating in board meetings as nonvoting members.

The members of The Tun Legacy Foundation Advisory Committee (listed alphabetically) include:

Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, USMC (Ret.)
Lt. Gen. Charles G. Chiarotti, USMC (Ret.)
Larry Christenson, Freemason and Former Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret.)
Sgt. Maj. Angela M. Maness, USMC (Ret.)
Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, USMC (Ret.)
Sgt. Maj. Harold Gene Overstreet, USMC (Ret.)
MGySgt. Scott H. Stalker, USMC (Ret.)
Lt. Gen. John “Jocko” A. Toolan, Jr., USMC (Ret.)
Jeffrey M. Wonderling, Freemason, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, USMC (Ret.)

“The Board of Directors of The Tun Legacy Foundation is extremely grateful to the Advisory Committee members for their commitment to bringing The Tun back to Philadelphia for future generations,” said Pat Dailey, president and founder of the Foundation. We have achieved major milestones in our efforts to rebuild The Tun in Philadelphia – acquiring the land, completing construction documents, securing zoning approval, and raising substantial funds. Now, as we work to complete our fundraising and enter the next phase of our development, the Foundation will benefit greatly from the wisdom, leadership and instant credibility the Advisory Committee members add to the project.”

About The Tun Legacy Foundation

The Tun Legacy Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed by members of six organizations with origins at the historic Tun that are still in existence: United States Marine Corps; Pennsylvania Freemasons; St. Andrew’s Society; Society of St. George; The Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick; and the United States Navy. The mission of The Tun Legacy Foundation is to reestablish The Tun® as a monument to its historical significance in the United States, and to inspire a perpetual commitment to charitable giving that uplifts and empowers.

The Tun, constructed in 1686 in Philadelphia, stood until 1781. It addition to its significance as the birthplace of the United States Marines Corps (1775), and the birthplace of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania (1731), it is purportedly the place where John Adams and the Naval Committee met and drafted documents that outline the structure for what became the United States Navy (1775). The historic tavern is also the founding place of the St. Andrew’s Society (1747) and the Friendly Sons & Daughters of St. Patrick (established 1771), and the early first meeting place of the Society of St. George (founded in 1772 with earlier meetings at Tun).

The Tun® will be located at 19 S. 2^nd Street  in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, known as “America’s most historic square mile.” The location is within 250 yards of the original Tun site at Water Street and Tun Alley on Philadelphia’s waterfront, where the Tun stood until 1781.

Once The Tun is rebuilt and operating, the Foundation will donate all proceeds from operations of The Tun® in perpetuity to veteran charities, Masonic charities, and educational charities associated with the organizations with a heritage at The Tun. Learn more at www.thetun.org.