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July 3, 2015 | ssusc.org
Breaking News
Record Anniversary
July 3, 2015 marks the 63rd anniversary of the SS United States' record-breaking maiden voyage. Armed with the most powerful Westinghouse steam turbines ever installed on a passenger ship, the Big U smashed the trans-Atlantic speed record when she reached Southampton in 3 days, 10 hours, and 42 minutes. 

The ship captured the Blue Riband of the Atlantic from the Cunard liner Queen Mary with an average speed of 35.59 knots, all while only using two-thirds of her power.

Event Update
The SS United States Conservancy will be holding a special member meeting and gathering on July 30 in Philadelphia, PA.

Details and an exact location will be coming soon.
Drive the Big U


The SS United States Conservancy is now offering two new products for your vehicle!

Show your support with a Bumper Sticker for only $5, or sport a Big U vanity plate inside this spiffy License Plate Frame for only $25.

100% of the proceeds benefit the SS United States Conservancy and directly aid in saving America's Flagship. 
Help spread awareness of America's Flagship.

Thanks to your support, we have over 13,000 "likes" on our Facebook page! Remember to follow us on all our social media platforms and encourage your friends, colleagues, and family members to join you!

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We're saving the SS United States and working to ensure 
her legacy endures and inspires.
Please join us! 

 

 

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The SS United States made headlines around the globe on her record-breaking maiden voyage July 3, 2015.
New Renderings of America's Flagship Reborn


 

We are excited to be able to share with you some of the latest, creative renderings from the work being done by our redevelopment partners.  Various architects and designers were asked to reimagine the SS United States as a mixed-use museum and waterfront destination.  These images illustrate how America's Flagship might look following redevelopment.  As with any creative design process, architects and artists have been encouraged to "think outside the box" and approach this complex project with ambition, style, and flair.  These renderings are only a first step.  Ultimately, the developers and the Conservancy - with your input - will take the best of many more ideas and create a unique masterpiece of design and functionality that celebrates the SS United Statesunique and iconic nature.  We will honor the ship's historic legacy while adapting the vessel for exciting new uses.  With your continued support, we will ensure that  America's Flagship endures and inspires for generations to come. 


 

  • (Top) There will be many different uses for the redeveloped ship.  Many revolve around recreation.  This architect envisions a pier that leads to a personal watercraft launch and rental as well as park space directly adjacent to the ship.  
  • (Middle) Event space will be a significant revenue generator for the ship in redevelopment.  This designer envisions a glass ballroom space near the stern of the ship.  The area would be constructed on top of the area where the handball courts once existed.  The minimalist architecture is used to prevent unnecessary interference with the ship's lines while creating a unique and functional space with amazing views of the water and the ship's funnels. 
  • (Bottom) This architect envisions using the funnels as a way to inject light and height into the ship's interior with a modern feel.  This area could be the central hub of a hotel or retail space.
SS United States Model Contest Winners Announced 

We are pleased to announce the results of our Model the SS United States Contest.  We would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry, voted for their favorites, circulated images of the models, and followed the Conservancy on Instagram. We received 20 unique model submissions, and over 1,600 votes were cast.


The grand prize winner was Jordan Morris, Chair of the Conservancy's Southeast US Chapter. Tragically, Jordan passed away on June 6. His beloved and handcrafted model was the overwhelming contest winner with 678 votes. We have extended the prize - a tour of the SS United States - to Jordan's family, and we know that Jordan remains with his beloved Big U in spirit.   

 

The contest runner-up was John Rooney. John's beautiful model received an impressive 303 votes, and he will also receive a special tour of the ship. John reflects on his fascination with the SS United States and his model's unique details and loving touches here.
 

Finally, our Instagram promotional prize winner was awarded to one user chosen from all of our Instagram followers. LeeAnn Kinney was randomly selected as the recipient of this prize and will receive one Duck Suite Key Tag Replica.


Congratulations again to all whom participated. Make sure you continue to follow the Conservancy on social media and via e-mail to be the first to hear about future contests and events.

 
Tribute Being Planned for Jordan Morris

The Conservancy is planning a special tribute Jordan Morris, the Chair of our Southeast US Chapter who passed away on June 6.  A link to his obituary can be found here. 

 

Upon learning of Jordan's passing, Conservancy executive director Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of the ship's designer William Francis Gibbs, wrote the following:

"After my grandfather died in 1967, the Harvard Divinity School's Dean wrote a letter to my grandmother. He wrote that he and my grandfather 'talked many times of the possibility of a rousing celebration in which the liner the SS United States would be the center of a religious ceremony, but somehow or other it never came to pass, and I am saddened that it did not. The ship always seemed a miracle to him, and I could easily acquiesce.'

 

Jordan shared their sense that the ship was a "miracle," and I bet their spirits are together now, prowling around the Big Ship. They're probably hanging out in the engine room, cracking irreverent jokes, using salty language, and debating technical maritime minutiae. And they will continue - along with so many others - to energize and inspire us, here in this world, forever dimmed by their absence."

 

The Conservancy extends its deepest condolences to Jordan's friends and family, and details of our planned tribute will be shared in the days to come.

 

SS United States Conservancy

P.O. Box 32115

Washington, DC 20007

(888) 488-7787