The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and operation of historic vessels. The Heritage Ship Guild preceded the current organization, with members caring for the schooner Nellie & Mary as well as other maritime projects in Philadelphia. The Ship Preservation Guild was incorporated in 1985 when it took ownership of the Gazela Primeiro from the City of Philadelphia.

The Guild is staffed solely by volunteers who handle daily business as well as managing the maintenance, sailing, and education schedules. The 15 person Board of Directors, an Executive Committee and the Office Manager complete the administrative operations.

Volunteers in the organization provided more than 23,000 hours of service in 2007. The Guild continues to expand its outreach to the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area in the arts and culture of traditional sailing, by providing educational classes to youth and adults alike.