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 | | A new banner announcing the Conservancy's exciting new campaign at SavetheUnitedStates.org graces the flybridge of the SS United States. |
Dear SS United States Conservancy Supporters:
We continue to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the SS United States' maiden voyage with special events around the nation as well as the launch of our groundbreaking Save the United States Campaign. Hopefully you - and all of your friends and family members - have already purchased at least one square inch of the virtual ship. If you have not yet gotten around to it, please visit SaveTheUnitedStates.org - it only costs $1! Through this campaign, we are building an incredible online community of support for America's flagship and all of your images and testimonials will form a permanent museum display.
We are also delighted to announce the extension and expansion of our Forbes Galleries exhibition in New York City. The special exhibition - "The Ocean Liner United States: Celebrating the Past and Future of America's Flagship" - will now run through October 20, 2012. It is free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibition, click here to read our recent press release.
Prominent additions to the special Forbes Galleries exhibition include one of the original wall panels from the "Duck Suite," one of the first-class staterooms favored by frequent United States travelers including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, and Burt Lancaster. Painted in gold leaf by American artist Constance Smith, this stunning aluminum panel is displayed in its own gallery alongside enlargements of period color photography showing life aboard the liner, reproduced from the archive of collector Charles W. Howland.
On Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 6pm, the Conservancy will host a panel discussion "Designing the SS United States" at the gallery, led by historian Pat Kirkham. The event will explore the unique contributions of women artists and designers to the famous vessel.
As you will read below, many other great events in honor of the SS United States are planned for the fall - please join us! And of course, please don't delay and log onto www.SavetheUnitedStates.org and select your favorite parts of the ship before someone else does. Remember to connect with the effort on Facebook at facebook.com/SSUSC or on Twitter @SavetheSSUS - we must continue to get the word out far and wide about the ship and the Save the United States campaign.
The United States bears the name of our great nation. Her revitalization will honor our proud past and celebrate a shared commitment to our nation's future. We need your help to save her.
Thank you so much for your support...
Susan Gibbs
Executive Director
To become a member of the SS United States Conservancy
or make a tax-deductible donation in support of our efforts, please click here
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 Conservancy's Fabulous Fall Events Line-Up
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The Conservancy is planning an exciting line-up of fall events as our 60th anniversary celebration and Save the United States Campaign momentum continue to build. Please mark your calendars!
Orchestral Premiere of "Atlantic Riband"
September 7, Newport News, Virginia
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will premiere composer Kenneth Fuch's stunning piece "Atlantic Riband" inspired by the SS United States' record-breaking maiden voyage. In partnership with the Hampton Roads chapter of the Steamship Historical Society, the Conservancy is organizing a pre-show dinner at the Hampton Yacht Club. Cocktails will begin at 4:30 with dinner at 5:30 to allow time for the group to travel to the Ferguson Center for the 8 pm performance. Special Blue Riband commemorations and displays are planned! For more information and to sign up for the pre-show gathering, contact Elizabeth Fletcher at efletcher11@cox.net. To purchase tickets to the performance, visit: http://www.virginiasymphony.org/buy-tickets.php.
Author Night At the National Theatre
September 12, Washington DC
Join the SS United States Conservancy and the Conservancy's DC Chapter at the National Theatre to hear Conservancy Advisory Council member and author Steve Ujifusa speak about his immensely popular new book, A Man and His Ship, which offers a riveting portrait of William Francis Gibbs' quest to design the SS United States. Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy's executive director and granddaughter of William Francis Gibbs, will also be on hand to provide an update on progress underway to save the United States for future generations. The event will take place in the National Theater's Helen Hayes Gallery at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington. Start time is 6:30 in the evening. The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Tickets will be distributed 30 minutes before the event on a first-come first-served basis. Copies of A Man and His Ship will be available for sale.
Dinner and Music at Riverbend Country Club
October 5, Great Falls, Virginia
The SS United States Conservancy is delighted to host an evening of live music and dinner at the Riverbend Country Club as a fundraising event to help save our great liner. Relax over a multi-course dinner, complete with wine, reminiscent of first class ocean liner travel in the gorgeous Potomac Dining room as Joe Forry, our pianist and former SS United States passenger, plays musical selections evoking transatlantic voyages aboard the Big U. Come relax, dine, close your eyes, hear the music and imagine yourself on the high seas in gracious splendor. You may even feel the rolling of the sea and if not, enjoy the magnificent view of the grounds out the large windows as you dine. For more information, please read our flyer or contact Dean Edmonds at dean.edmonds@cox.net or 703-980-3585 or reach out to Cassandra Alvarez at calvarez@ssusc.org.
Panel Discussion at the Forbes Galleries October 9, New York City
The SS United States Conservancy will host a panel discussion, moderated by Pat Kirkham of Bard College, at the prestigious Forbes Galleries of New York City. With the background of the Conservancy's newly expanded exhibition on the history of our liner, the panel will discuss the women artists and designers who contributed to the SS United States. From the stunning artwork that graced the ship's public rooms to the vessel's propellers, women played important roles in the the SS United States' aesthetic and success. Artists and designers to be featured include Mira Jedwabnik Van Doren, Hildreth Meiere, and Elaine Kaplan.
Antique Pullman Car Train Ride
October 27, Washington DC and Newport News, Virginia
Experience luxurious rail travel and delicious food aboard the classic 1930's Pullman lounge/sleeper Dover Harbor as you travel in style from Washington DC to Newport News, the birthplace of the SS United States. Starting at either Washington's Union Station, or Alexandria, passengers will enjoy breakfast as the Dover Harbor passes through Fredericksburg, Richmond and Williamsburg. Upon arrival at Newport News, guests will have a chance to explore the Mariners Museum, and attend a talk about the construction of the SS United States. Cocktails and dinner will be served aboard the Dover Harbor as passengers return to Washington, DC. For more information, please read our flyer! For registration information, please contact Dean Edmonds at dean.edmonds@cox.net or or 703-980-3585 or Cassandra Alvarez at calvarez@ssusc.org.
Guests enjoy the stately interiors of the Dover Harbor, an antique pullman rail car. Please join us on board on October 27!
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SS United States Day A New York Success
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 | Conservancy supporters aboard the Lexington enjoying the spectacular views of New York City. Photo credit: Erzsebet Dudas.
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On July 18, 1952, a ticker tape parade commemorated the record-breaking maiden voyage of the SS United States. 60 years later - to the day - supporters of the SS United States, under the organization of the Conservancy's New York Chapter, gathered in New York City to celebrate the momentous accomplishments of America's flagship .
Starting with a harbor cruise aboard the yacht Lexington, generously provided by owner David Hackert, supporters made their way from the East River to the Hudson and back again. Conservancy executive director Susan Gibbs, Conservancy Board President Charles Anderson, New York Chapter Chair Paul Stipkovich and Managing Director of the SS United States Redevelopment Project Dan McSweeney all spoke about the anniversary and the importance of saving the SS United States.
Crossing town to the New York Mercantile Exchange, supporters were able to tour the floor before Conservancy leadership rang the close of business bell for the day. A cocktail reception followed, during which Steve Ujifusa, Conservancy Advisory Council member and author of the new book A Man and His Ship, spoke about the history of the SS United States and the life of the vessel's designer, William Francis Gibbs.
Many people contributed to making SS United States Day in New York City a great success, and the Conservancy has nothing but profound gratitude to everyone who made this special day possible. Our profound thanks go to:
David Hackert, owner of the Lexington, and her wonderful crew. Supporter Bill Magee, with his usual panache, produced a fabulous video chronicling the day's events. To watch, please go here. John McNamara, George MacNamara, Stephanie Mavronicolas, and everyone from CME Group at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) Marianne Walker and Compass/Lackmann Culinary Service
Erzsebet Dudas, Photographer
Steve Ujifusa, Author of A Man And His Ship
Carl Weber, Paul Stipkovich and the New York Chapter of the SS United States Conservancy
All the guests who attended the events, and those who could not join the festivities but contributed from afar.
 | The team, just after ringing the bell at NYMEX. From left to right: John Reynolds, Susan Gibbs, Sue Caccavale, Dan McSweeney, Paul Stipkovich, Nick Manzi, Doretta DiGioia, and Curt Battles.
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Philadelphia Chapter Welcomes New Chapter Chair
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The Conservancy would like to extend the warmest of welcomes to our new Philadelphia Chapter Chair, Andy Herdan! Andy lives in Philadelphia, having moved here from the United Kingdom in 1971. He is an ex-Merchant Marine Deck Officer, and served aboard the two Furness Bermuda Line cruise ships for over a decade. He has countless memories of the SS United States, which used to dock only a few piers away from the Ocean Monarch and Queen of Bermuda, the two ships on which he served during the late 50's and early 60's. Although he is now working as a Global Business Management Consultant, his heart will always be close to the sea and to the ships that were so much a part of his life for many years. He is absolutely passionate about seeing the mighty SS United States preserved for posterity. |
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Conservancy Represents at New York's City of Water Day
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Earlier this month, the Conservancy participated in the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance's City of Water Festival on Saturday, July 14. This event was held on Governors Island in New York Harbor. Hundreds of people came by our table to learn more about the SS United States. Visitors were enthusiastic about our new Save the United States virtual campaign and were eager to explore and contribute to our efforts through savetheunitedstates.org. Many thanks to those who stopped by-we hope to see you all again next year!  | | Conservancy staff members Greg Shutters and Cassie Alvarez representing the cause. |
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SS United States On The Silver Screen
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The SS United States starred in several movies during her heyday - and she'll be returning to the silver screen again! She is playing a major part in the upcoming film "Dead Man Down", starring Colin Farrell. Be on the lookout for more news about the film as the year progresses!
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Advisory Council Member John Milligan Speaks at Houston Maritime Museum
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The Conservancy would like to extend a thank you to Advisory Council member John Milligan for the speech he gave last month at the Houston Maritime Museum concerning the SS United States.
An experienced naval architect who has been working with ships for over 40 years, Milligan is passionate about preserving the SS United States. His appreciation for the vessel stems from her elegant and powerful build and the "graceful lines she possesses, not like the big, fat barges of today purporting to be cruise ships," he says. "The SS United States would make a mockery of them all."
After attaining a college major in the arts, Milligan quickly became interested in naval architecture-a passion that continues to shine through in his work today. In his Houston Maritime presentation, he provided a basic lowdown of the ship's hull in comparison to other models. Understandable while still engaging, Milligan explains the ingenuity of the underwater portion of the ship, a part that many people are unfamiliar with.
His presentation helpd to explain the challenges with designing a hull, the many components that go into a ship's build, the way a ship moves, and just why the SS United States was so fast and still so reliable. He also threw in plenty of fun facts- in reverse, she could just about keep up with the Titanic. He also revealed one of his life's dreams: He hopes to be able to water ski behind the SS United States!
A recording of Milligan's presentation is available for view online. |
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Follow the Conservancy with Facebook and Twitter!
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Over the past few months, the Conservancy has completely redeveloped its social media presence, giving us new ways to connect with Conservancy members, fans and potential supporters of the SS United States. Be sure to join us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest developments from the Conservancy as well as discussions, photos from the ship, photos of Conservancy events, and fun ship-related trivia!
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