As we continue our race against time to save the mighty SS United States, we've been increasingly reaching out to prominent political leaders and the national media.  Our efforts are paying off: Our "Save Our Ship" campaign is featured on the front page of today's Wall Street Journal.  The Conservancy is generating major momentum in both New York City and Philadelphia, as evidenced by many recent meetings and events with city officials, supporters, Congressional officials, media representatives, and others.  (For more detail, please read below.)  We are more determined than ever: We will save our great national flagship!
 

And of course, as the holidays approach, don't forget to purchase the SS United States Conservancy's special 2010 calendar featuring a series of incredible renderings of the ship created by 12 individual artists... ordering information is provided below.  We are sure you will enjoy the ship's beautiful and diverse portrayals!

None of our work could be accomplished without the continued support and enthusiasm of our members and supporters - as always - we thank you so much!

With our best wishes,

The SS United States Conservancy's Board of Directors

 

SS UNITED STATES FEATURED IN WALL STREET JOURNAL

 

The SS United States Conservancy's outreach in Philadelphia is beginning to gain significant momentum.  Tom Corcoran, new President of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, talked to guest host Dave Davies about the future of Philadelphia's waterfront recently on WHYY's Radio Times. Mr. Corcoran mentioned the SS United States Conservancy's meeting with him scheduled for later this week and had the following to say about the SS United States: "The ship is sitting within the area covered by our jurisdiction. Beautiful from a distance, and its in terrible condition.  Its been completely gutted, and I think it's a disgrace because it's a very proud ship with a very proud heritage.  It still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing ever in 1952 on its maiden voyage, and it should have been treated by this country by more respect...it came careening into this port 10-15 years ago, and right now there are people interested seeing if there is some sort of reuse for that ship, and actually I will be having a meeting with some of those people in the next two weeks. I just don't know what will be economically feasible...it's certainly worth exploring, because its a great historical artifact."  To listen to the full interview, please CLICK HERE.

Mr. Corcoran previously served as head of the Cooper's Ferry Development Corporation, which has transformed the Camden, New Jersey waterfront from a desolate industrial wasteland to an entertainment mecca that includes the permanently-moored World War II battleship U.S.S. New Jersey.  We hope that Mr. Corcoran will use his considerable expertise to wisely develop Philadelphia's languishing Delaware riverfront with a vibrant, restored SS United States as one of its centerpieces.

In addition, SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs received a warm letter of support from Philadelphia City Council President Anna C. Verna.  It is worth quoting in full:

Dear Ms. Gibbs

I applaud the efforts of the Conservancy and all others who have
joined the campaign to save our national flagship. The SS United
States is truly an historic national treasure that should be preserved
for current and future generations.  I am hopeful that this
magnificent ocean liner can be restored to her original grandeur and
become a river front attraction in our city for residents and
visitors.

I must say it is very sad indeed to pass by Pier 81 in South
Philadelphia, where the SS United States is currently docked, and see
this remarkable display of engineering and design in its current state
of neglect and disrepair.  I am confident, however, that through the
efforts of the Conservancy and its many supporters, this vessel will
have not only an historic past but a long and bright future.

The many who have volunteered to undertake this very important task
have my sincere appreciation.  Because of your hard work and
dedication, I look forward to seeing a resplendent SS United States
one day grace the shores of the City of Philadelphia.

signed:

Anna C. Verna
President, City Council
Councilwoman, 2nd District
City of Philadelphia