 | | Image courtesy of New York Chapter Co-chair Paul Stipkovich |
Maiden Voyage Anniversary & Independence Day Celebration
On July 3, 1952, the SS United States smashed the trans-Atlantic speed record while using only two-thirds of her power. Sixty-two years later, she needs our collective power to reach her next port of call.
As you'll read below, current negotiations with developers and investors in the ship's former home port of New York are encouraging. However, without additional support from private donors and public officials, we won't be able to continue to cover the ship's carrying costs, and we're only months away from the unthinkable.
Thanks to generous supporter Jim Pollin, all donations will now be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. Thank you so much to everyone who has already contributed! To make your donation to be matched, click HERE. Next week we'll be unveiling new ways to support and share the campaign, including a wonderful new item designed by renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay. Stay tuned! We must keep building momentum so that the SS United States remains afloat. Nothing this big, this important, and that bears the nation's name should be destroyed. Happy Independence Day, and we can't thank you enough for your continued support!
In the Philly Area? Join us on Saturday!
Exciting plans are afoot in Philadelphia for Saturday, July 5th! For those of you in the Philadelphia area, please join us to celebrate both Independence Day for our great nation as well as the record-breaking maiden voyage of the historic ocean liner that bears her name! The Conservancy's Southeastern U.S. and Philadelphia chapters have been hard at work planning the day's line-up, which will include a flag-raising ceremony aboard the SS United States. The American flag will be raised along the radar mast at 4:00pm by Afghanistan veteran Army Sergeant Eric Jones, and the flag and mast will be lit later in the evening. Access to the ship is strictly limited, but the ceremony will be filmed and shared with Conservancy members and supporters, and of course, there is an excellent view of the ship from Columbus Boulevard. The ceremony will be followed by a celebratory gathering at Longhorn Steakhouse ( 2120 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia) across from the ship. Join us as we eat, drink and celebrate the ship's past and future!
It promises to be a festive day, and we look forward to you joining us for some food and fun... for the United States, and the United States!
Please Note: In the event of severe inclement weather, any changes
to the schedule of events will be announced.
Donate today to help ensure that America's Flagship
endures for generations to come --
and have your donation matched dollar-for-dollar!
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 Negotiations Over SS United States' Next Port of Call Continue to Advance
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 Jim Pollin (second from left) stands in front of propeller aboard the SS United States with (left to right):
SS United States Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs; Susan Caccavale, SS United States Conservancy board member and daughter of Elaine Kaplan, lead Gibbs & Cox propeller designer, and Dan McSweeney, Managing Director of the SS United States Redevelopment Project. Photo by Christine Hower.
The SS United States Conservancy's Redevelopment Project, managed by Dan McSweeney, continues to advance redevelopment plans and partnerships, and these efforts are increasingly centered in New York. Conversations are now underway with three New York-based developers. Potential locations for the ship throughout New York have been discussed, but the main focus is now on a privately-owned berth in Brooklyn.
This process is complex and time-consuming. Dan reports: "Constructive conversations with regulatory stakeholders continue. City, state, and federal regulators are aware of our concept of permanently mooring the SS United States in New York City and are offering helpful guidance on the path forward.
As has been the case since our search for a site and partner began, we are negotiating for the emergence of a funded option agreement that allows the Conservancy to maintain the ship in her current berth while due diligence on a site and program occur. At this point, a phased project seems most likely, given the scale and complexity of the effort.
Initial terms for a deal are now under discussion. There is reason for optimism as negotiations continue."
We will keep Conservancy members and supporters closely informed as these developments advance. Meanwhile, we encourage everyone to respond to Jim Pollin's challenge grant so we can keep the ship in the water as these negotiations move forward. Donations can be made HERE. Thank you, once again, for your continued support!
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SS United States in the News
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New York 1, the Time-Warner Cable Channel, ran a great piece on the SS United States' potential move to New York, Jim Pollin's generous donation that saved the ship's propeller, and the Conservancy's fundraising campaign to match Jim's challenge grant. To read the story, click HERE. SS United States Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs and Conservancy Advisory Council Member and author Steven Ujifusa ( A Man and His Ship: America's Greatest Naval Architect and his Quest to Build the SS United States) were guests on Radio Times hosted by Marty Moss-Coane. To listen to the audio, click HERE.
News of Jim Pollin's purchase of the SS United States's 5-blade propeller was also covered in South Philly Review, and A loyal mate was chosen as its Looking South Photo of the Week.
In the summer edition of preservation, the magazine for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Tom Huntington recounts his recent visit to the SS United States with Conservancy board member Susan Caccavale and Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs. The online version of the article, "Beyond the Sea: Envisioning a new future for the fastest transatlantic ocean liner in history", can be found HERE.
As always, if you read or listen to a piece on the SS United States in the media, post a comment and express your support for America's Flagship! News outlets enjoy hearing from their readers and listeners, and we all need to join the conversation and do everything possible to ensure that the ship and her legacy are not forgotten!
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Hero Project in the News and Available to Wear!
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Jonathan Atkin's stunning prints of renowned dancers on historic ships - including Desmond Richardson aboard the SS United States - continue to make waves. His project was featured in Cruise Industry News, HERE. The piece conveys how dance artists can serve as "brilliant communicators of the gravitas of historic ships who, through their artistry, translate the 'magic' of our maritime legacy. "
A limited number of special tee-shirts depicting Atkin's iconic image of Desmond Richardson and the SS United States's stunning propeller pictured above are available for purchase. The shirts are available directly from Jonathan for a price of $35 each (with some of the proceeds going to the Conservancy and the dancer). To order, specify size (S-M-L-XL) and remit payment to Jonathan Atkin, 2975 Decatur Ave Ste 4e, Bronx, NY 10458. Questions? Interested in purchasing prints? Contact Jonathan at: jonathan@shipshooter.com. |
Dates in SS United States History
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July 2, 1967: The New York Times quotes Chief Engineer William Kaiser that the SS United States could do 22.7 knots in reverse.
July 3, 1952: The SS United States departs New York City on her maiden voyage, carrying 1,660 passengers.
July 7, 1952: Upon passing Bishop's Rock, the SS United States shatters the transatlantic speed record set by the Queen Mary in 1938. No ship has ever made crossings in both directions faster than the United States.
July 10, 1952: The SS United States begins the return leg of her maiden voyage, from Southampton to New York, stopping at Le Havre.
July 14, 1952: The SS United States passes Ambrose Lightship on the return leg of her maiden voyage, handily besting the Queen Mary's existing westbound speed record. Her westbound speed remains unchallenged to this day.
July 18, 1952: A Broadway ticker-tape parade commemorates the SS United States' record-breaking maiden voyage.
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Help us to reach more people
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SS United States Conservancy
P.O. Box 32115
Washington, DC 20007
(888)-488-7787
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