The SS United States Celebrates her 61st Anniversary
We still need your help to ensure this milestone isn't her last.
On July 3, 1952, the "Big U" embarked on her maiden voyage and shattered east- and west-bound transatlantic speed records, making headlines worldwide. For 17 years this powerful symbol of post-war pride, power and innovation plied the North Atlantic. However, since her retirement in 1969, her prospects have remained precarious. The SS United States Conservancy assumed ownership of the SS United States in 2011 and continues to advance negotiations on the vessel's restoration and redevelopment as well as build its curatorial collections, plan a shipboard museum, and expand public outreach programs. We remain profoundly grateful to our members and donors: Without your support, the majestic SS United States would not have reached her 61st year. SOS Campaign momentum continues to build: CBS Sunday Morning plans to rebroadcast its great story about the SS United States this Sunday, July 7th (subject to final scheduling confirmation) and our recent Philadelphia outreach events literally lit up the night sky. Our rally featured a rousing speech by 11-year-old Ravi Giberson, who gave a unique and powerful perspective on why the SS United States must be saved. His inspiring words can be read here. Please help us continue to spread the word about the ship's historic importance, complete our quest to secure a permanent home for America's Flagship, and launch the SS United States Center for Design & Discovery. Thank you once more for your continued support, and Happy Independence Day!
Support our efforts now to
help rescue and restore the SS United States
Also in this Issue:
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 Recap: Philadelphia Rally & Lightings
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The crowds brave the rain at the Philadelphia Rally (left) and the Conservancy's short SS United States video illuminates Philadelphia's PECO Building in Center City (right)
Despite persistent rain, Conservancy supporters came out in droves to show their support at our Philadelphia rally on June 18. The event featured music by Jimmy Maraventano of Jimmy and the Parrots and speeches from Conservancy leadership and supporters. The rally coincided with SS United States lighting displays atop two of Philadelphia's most iconic skyscrapers, the PECO Building and the Cira Centre. The youngest speaker at the rally was 11-year-old Ravi Giberson, who gave a unique and powerful perspective on why the SS United States must be saved for his generation and beyond. A transcript of his wonderful speech can be downloaded here. Media outlets including The Philadelphia Inquirer, local CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC television news affiliates, WHYY Newsworks, and iradiophilly covered the events, highlighting the ship's plight, the Conservancy's SOS Campaign to raise $500,000 in short-term funds, the innovative crowd-funding platform at Save The United States, and ship designer William Francis Gibbs' connections to Philadelphia. The Conservancy would like to once again thank all of our generous event sponsors and supporters: Jimmy & the Parrots, the Independence Seaport Museum, KO Images/Kyle Ober Photographer, MageeMedia Productions, Lowe's at Columbus Commons, Champps at Columbus Commons, Longhorn Steakhouse at Columbus Commons, Legacy Tours of Distinction, Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton (Rehoboth Beach, DE), VisionWorks at Columbus Commons, Wendy's at Columbus Commons, Wendy's at Quartermaster Plaza (2340 W. Oregon Avenue), PECO, and Cira Centre. |
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Coming Soon: Famed Author David Macaulay shares his thoughts on the SS United States
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Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs and world-renowned author David Macaulay
pose in front of the SS United States (Photo credit Kyle Ober)
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World renowned author/illustrator ( The Way Things Work, Cathedral, Castle) has joined the Conservancy's Advisory Council and has pledged support for the Conservancy's efforts. Macaulay emigrated to the US from the UK on the SS United States and he will blogging about the SS United States on the Conservancy website starting this Saturday. Stay tuned for further updates on Macaulay's current project in next week's Conservancy e-update. We are thrilled to welcome David aboard! |
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SS United States to be Featured in Maywood, New Jersey 4th of July Parade
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The Conservancy's New York & Northern New Jersey chapter will be out in force at the Maywood 4th of July Parade! Representatives from the Chapter will be marching to raise awareness about the SS United States and have an exciting and powerful display planned honoring America's Flagship. It's not to late to volunteer to join this patriotic march. If you would like to participate and are in the area, please email Chapter member Chuck Parodi ASAP at EMT5748@aol.com. Maywood is just outside New York City and is easily accessible by bus or car from the city. If there is interest, we will also be providing a carpool from Port Authority Bus Terminal at 6:30 am for those coming from New York. Thank you in advance for your support! |
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Continued SS United States Press Coverage
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The Conservancy continues to expand its media outreach efforts and we encourage you to reach out to your local press outlets. This week Yahoo UK covered the SS United States' triumph over Britain's Queen Mary in 1952. To read the story, click HERE. The SS United States continues to be covered by media outlets around the country, including this recent one from Connecticut. Be sure to share, comment, tweet, and spread the word about these stories! |
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New SS United States Book Available
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Just in time for the ship's 61st anniversary, author Larry Driscoll has just published a fantastic new volume on the SS United States and her winning the coveted Blue Riband, entitled The Last Great Race. This new book is certainly a must-have for ship buffs. It is currently available on Amazon. Stay tuned for a review and interview with the author in a future update. Congratulations, Larry! |
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Help us reach more people in our quest
to save America's Flagship.
Thanks to your support, we are now at over 8,700 followers on our Facebook page! Let's keep going so we can hit 10,000! Be sure to like our page, follow us on Twitter, and encourage your friends, colleagues and family members to do the same!
 
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SS United States Conservancy
P.O. Box 32115
Washington, DC 20007
(888)-488-7787
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