The National Liberty Ship Memorial, Inc. was incorporated as a not for profit organization in the State of California in April, 1978, to foster the interest of the citizens of the United States in establishing the Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien as an operating and sailing museum vessel demonstrating and commemorating the role of the US Merchant Marine in war and peace, and in its maritime heritage, as well as in the preservation of traditional and/or historic vessels.The mission of the NLSM is to restore, promote and operate the Liberty Ship, SS Jeremiah O'Brien, as a living museum. The goal of this mission is to preserve, for present and future generations, the story of the patriotic and brave men and women who built, sailed and defended the 2,751 American-built World War II ships known as “Liberties."