SS United States Conservancy
SS United States Conservancy

Last-minute preparations underway for the Conservancy's SS United States Symposium and Annual Meeting! 
May 20, 2009
The Big U in the Big Apple
Dear SS United States Conservancy Members and Supporters:
 
We are thrilled that so many of you will be joining us at New York City's South Street Seaport Museum for our 2009 annual meeting and special SS United States symposium this Saturday!  It is not too late - we still have room, but please, register with the Museum TODAY!  

Click here to register for the May 23 symposium and annual meeting.  (If this link does not work, go to the South Street Seaport Museum's website, www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org, click on the "Education" tab, then click on the "Public Programs" tab, then click "Purchase Tickets on line.")

Meeting Venue: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, NYC, 10038. For driving directions, visit www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org or call the Museum at 212/ 748-8786.

Registration Fee: $35 (includes evening reception)

Parking: All day for $17 at Central Parking, 153 John Street (between Front and Water Streets) or all day for $19 at Edison Parking, 167-175 Front Street (between Fletcher and John Streets).

Questions?:  Please give us a call at 888/488-7787 or email us at info@ssunitedstatesconservany.org

With our warmest wishes,

SS United States Conservancy Board of Directors

(Photo above courtesy of the Richard Rabbett Collection)
 
2009 Meeting Flyer
2009 Annual Meeting and Symposium 
Join us in New York City on Saturday, May 23, for a full day of exciting and unique presentations the SS United States!  
The day's line-up is packed full of dynamic presentations as well as opportunities to connect with fellow Big U fans and explore the storied past and future plans for our Ship of State.  Highlights of the meeting agenda include:
 
  9:00  - Registration, Meet-and-Greet

  9:30  - Welcome, SS United States Conservancy Update

10:00 -  Panel: Saving Our Ship - The Path Ahead

11:00 -  Multi-Media Presentation: The Big U & the Big Apple

11:45 -  SS United States Commodores

12:30 -  Lunch

  2:00 -  Capturing the Legacy of the SS United States in Print & Film (author and photographer panel)

  3:00 -  Screening and Q & A with producer of "Lady in Waiting"

  4:30 -  Reception
An Added Treat:
Annual Meeting & Symposium Coincides with "Fleet Week"
Military Displays, Visiting Ships, and Broadway Musicals on Pier 86!

Since 1984, New York City has held Fleet Week to honor the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The special week features extensive military demonstrations, as well as the opportunity for the public to tour visiting Navy and Coast Guard ships in New York Harbor.

Visit the website of Intrepid's Sea, Air & Space Museum (www.intrepidmuseum.org) for a full listing of events.  During the course of the weekend, special performances of Broadway classics "South Pacific," "Chicago," STOMP," "Rock of Ages" and "Wicked" will be staged on Pier 86, the SS United States' former pier!

A number of ships will be visiting New York: Visiting hours for the general public are 8am to 5pm Thursday, May 21st - Tuesday, May 26th.  (The five Canadian ships will be closed Tuesday, May 26 and the Manhattan Ships will be closed on Sunday, May 24th.) The ships include:

Manhattan:
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
USS Roosevelt (DDG 80)
USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905)

Staten Island:
USS Vella Gulf (CG 72)
USS Thunderbolt (PC 12)
USS Tempest (PC 2)
USS Hurricane (PC 3)
HMCS Fredericton
HMCS Athabaskan
HMCS Preserver
HMCS Montreal
HMCS St. John's
USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM 552)
 
Sad News: The SS United States Conservancy Mourns the Loss of Captain Ray Eisenberg

It is with heavy hearts that we report that Captain Ray Eisenberg, still going strong at age 101, passed away on May 16.  Ray was a tremendous fan of the SS United States and a loyal supporter of the SS United States Conservancy's efforts.  He published many updates on the fate of the Big U in the Lookout, the journal of the Pennsylvania State Nautical School, that he edited and produced.  Captain Eisenberg was born on December 1, 1908, in Philadelphia.  After graduating form the Pennsylvania State Nautical School in 1928, he shipped off on the SS Hawaiian as Quartermaster.  He served in World War II and later held numerous positions at the Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy, where he retired in 1976.  A memorial service is planned at Kings Point, and we will share details once they are finalized.  Ray was small in stature but larger-than-life and always had a twinkle in his eye.  His knowledge of the American Merchant Marine was unsurpassed.  Fair winds and smooth sailing to Captain Ray.  He will be sorely missed.

SS United States Conservancy
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