Continuing to Raise Awareness
As we work toward securing a developer and permanent location for the SS United States, we are grateful to our supporters and advocates for their help in promoting awareness of the plight of America's Flagship.
Recently, Peter Dobrin of the Philadelphia Inquirer interviewed renowned author/illustrator David Macaulay regarding his upcoming book about the ship. In the article, which can be found HERE, Macaulay answers some questions prior to a special lecture he'll be giving about his book at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Thursday morning. The talk kicks off the day's events that culminate in an evening preview reception for the Conservancy's exhibition opening at the Independence Seaport Museum on Friday.
As most of you are aware, Macaulay has been giving our readers a special inside-look at content from his book through a blog he writes for the Conservancy's web site, found HERE.
It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness of this unique and extraordinary ship through the media and other avenues in order to save her from the scrapyard. So, now you might be wondering: "How can I help?"
- In addition to donations, we ask that you reach out to local media outlets and public officials and ask for their support. You can find a template to help with wording HERE.
- Join one of our existing Chapters, or start one in your area.
- Are you a member of Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? Help spread the word through Social Media.
- Know of a developer who may be interested in planning a multi-use facility? Email us at info@ssusc.org!
- Other ways to help save this great ship that's on the National Register of Historic Places can be found HERE.
Everyone's support - no matter how large or small - helps. Together we can make a difference and save this American icon that once stood for American achievement, pride, and technological ingenuity.
Support our efforts now to
help rescue and restore the SS United States
Also in this Issue:
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 CBS Broadcaster Jim Nantz Endorses Effort to Save the SS United States
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Three-time Emmy Award-winning sportscaster Jim Nantz is supporting the effort to save America's Flagship, the SS United States. Nantz joins the likes of tennis legend Billie Jean King and NFL coaching icon Dick Vermeil in endorsing the global effort to protect this irreplaceable piece of our history.
The SS United States is the largest American ocean liner ever built and the fastest passenger liner in history, still holding the transatlantic speed record. Built as part of a top-secret Cold War program to create the fastest ship in history, she sailed from 1952 to 1969 and represented the height of American power, innovation and style. Today, the last of her kind, she awaits restoration and repurposing as a large, mixed-use destination and museum.
"The SS United States is a true American champion, and I'm proud to support the Conservancy's efforts on this historic and patriotic project," stated Nantz. "This ship is an important national symbol, and the Conservancy is working tirelessly to ensure a future for America's Flagship. They are in a race against time and I'm encouraging all sports fans to help this champion of the seas."
At the core of Nantz's philanthropic efforts is the creation of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center (NNAC) in 2011. The center is dedicated to finding innovative diagnostic discoveries for early and accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease and other illnesses in hopes of one day finding a cure. For more information, visit nantzfriends.org. |
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SS United States Exhibit Opens on Friday!
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This Friday, March 7, marks the opening of the Conservancy's new exhibition at Independence Seaport Museum featuring the SS United States! The exhibit is titled SS UNITED STATES: Charting a Course for America's Flagship and looks at the story of our great "Lady in Waiting." The exhibit, designed and implemented by Philadelphia-based Liz Lewis Associates, LLC, features ephemera, photographs, architectural drawings, and items and furnishings from the ship. In addition, visitors will enjoy a 3-D presentation of our vision for the future of the ship along with an opportunity to share ideas for her future use! Admission to the exhibit, which will be on display through September 14, is included in the cost of regular Museum admission. For more information, visit the exhibit's page on the Independence Seaport Museum's web site at http://www.phillyseaport.org/ssunitedstates. |
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"Splendor in Decay" on Display at Calumet Photographic
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Several images from "Splendor in Decay" suite
(c) 2007 Rita Gaudet deVecchis
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Inspired by the SS United States, "Splendor in Decay" is a collection of 15 contemporary images of America's Flagship created by Rita Gaudet deVecchis. The suite of images is currently on display at Calumet Photographic at 1400 Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia.
Some of deVecchis's work also will be included as part of the Conservancy's exhibit that opens at Independence Seaport Museum this Friday. If you'll be joining us for the preview reception at the Museum Thursday evening, you may want to stop by Calumet Photographic first to view "Splendor in Decay." Calumet is open until 5:30pm. |
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A Few Words of Thanks
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Photo courtesy of Robert Hope
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As we look forward to a successful redevelopment of the SS United States, we'd like to thank you again for your generous support. The costs associated with taking care of a 990-foot-long ship are formidable, and every tax-deductible contribution from you brings us one step closer to saving America's Flagship.
We especially would like to thank the following individuals for their recent donations:
CURATORS' CIRCLE MEMBER
Tom Chirby - $4,000
FLAGSHIP FOUNDERS' CIRCLE MEMBER
Mark Perry - $5,000
BLUE RIBAND COUNCIL MEMBERS
H. Kirke Lathrop - $10,000
James Pollin - $10,000
We are profoundly grateful for these generous gifts - and indeed, for all the contributions we have received - as we strive toward achieving our goal of saving the United States.
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Dates in SS United States History
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March 2, 2010: Norwegian Cruise Line, then-owner of the SS United States, announces that it will begin accepting bids from scrappers to buy the ship.
March 4, 1989: The SS United States is towed from Norfolk to Newport News, VA.
March 6, 1955: NBC broadcasts the "Colgate Comedy Hour" live from the SS United States, docked in New York. The episode was hosted by Gordon MacRae and featured acts by Jaye P. Morgan and the Gabor sisters.
March 7, 1963: The "Mona Lisa" returns to France aboard the United States after a brief American museum tour. The painting is stored in a stateroom during the voyage, not in the cargo hold.
March 12, 1952: Harry Manning is named first captain of the United States.
March 12, 1992: The SS United States Preservation Society, precursor to the Conservancy, is founded.
March 13, 1946: The United States Lines board approves "Design 12201" (later the SS United States) for construction, assuming the US Maritime Commission grants an acceptable construction subsidy.
March 16, 1968: American murder suspect William A. Maynard is extradited to the United States from Germany on board the SS United States.
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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 10,400 followers on
our Facebook page! 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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