Since launching our Save Our Ship Campaign on March 2nd, the Conservancy has received an overwhelmingly positive response, through attendance at our New York campaign launch event, membership support and renewals, and participation in our new Plank Owner program.
 
During this Red Alert phase, the Conservancy has maintained ongoing communication with Norwegian Cruise Line/Genting Hong Kong, and we have verified that bids from scrappers have been received.  Our conversations with the current owners indicate that a mutually beneficial arrangement on behalf of the ship is possible, but far from certain.
 
As we continue our dialogue with the ship's owners and other key stakeholders, we understand that the SS United States is still in danger of being lost.  We ask once again for continued support from our members, the American public, and U.S. government officials.  We would also welcome a dialogue with any potential investors who share our vision of establishing a public-private partnership to re-purpose the ship in a major metropolitan waterfront.
 
We have been truly heartened by the response to our Save Our Ship Campaign.  During the past month, the Conservancy has raised almost $50,000!  As of April 1, almost 600 Plank Owners have joined our community.  Thank you so much for this vote of confidence!  Once again, we apologize for the delay in processing and distributing Plank Owner certificates., and we are grateful for your patience.
 
The funds we've raised to date will be spent on developing professional feasibility studies on re-purposing the ship, continued business and real estate planning, historical and educational materials and programs, and a variety of core costs necessary to support our volunteer effort.  A number of you have asked what your donation will fund if we fail to prevent the sale of the ship for scrap.  In the event that our efforts fall short - and we will do everything in our power to prevent this scenario - your funds will help us to salvage historic items from the vessel and permanently enshrine the SS United States' legacy in various museum and educational venues.
 
Once again, we ask for your continued support as we chart a forward course.  We remain optimistic that we can shepherd a win-win solution for our national flagship.  We continue to work to Save Our Ship and ask you to keep generating momentum via Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and direct outreach to your friends and family....

Thank you so much!

SS United States Conservancy Board of Directors

FOUNDATION CEASES OPERATIONS: NOW SUPPORTS CONSERVANCY

The Conservancy is honored to have the support of artist Peter Hunt, whose stirring image of the ship entitled "At Sea" has been loaned to us for use in a line of merchandise in our Slop Chest.  The Conservancy is deeply appreciative of this unsolicited and welcome offer from Mr. Hunt.  Be sure to check out his website to see more of his wonderful work. 

Additionally, "Big U" fan Robert Stebbins is now offering a stunning limited edition SS United States commemorative writing pen featuring a vintage profile of the ship.  From Mr. Stebbins:  "I am a long time fan of the SS United States, and have collected many items from her. One of my hobbies is making fine quality pens.  I have created this tribute pen made of a white acrylic polished to a high gloss, with chrome and satin metal fittings reminiscent of her interior trim. The image of the ship is scanned from one of the guest cards used on board during her transatlantic service days. This gives the pen a true connection to the great ship. Deeply engraved into the acrylic this image will not rub off with use. The Parker ink refill is available from any office supply store in a variety of inks and tips size, even gel ink for a smooth feel.

This pen will be offered in a numbered limited edition of 100 units, at $100.00 each.  It is my sincerest desire to see that the SS United States survives into the future, to help with that end I am donating $25.00 from the sale of each pen to the SS United States Conservancy.

To purchase one of these fine and rare pens for yourself please contact me directly.  I'll pay for regular ground  shipping."

The Conservancy is deeply grateful to Mr. Hunt and Mr. Stebbins for these contributions toward our ongoing fundraising efforts.

Our Apologies for Initial Delays in Processing Plank Owner Certificates