July 10, 2015 marked the 63rd anniversary of the SS United States' record-breaking westbound voyage. The westbound record was set at 3 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes, averaging 34.51 knots.
While the ship's eastbound record has been bested by a small number of ferries and other claimants, the more difficult westbound crossing record has never been broken and in all likelihood never will.
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The SS United States Conservancy will be holding a special member meeting and gathering on July 30 in Philadelphia, PA.
A 2nd event will be taking place in Philadelphia, PA on September 17.
Special guests and schedule to be announced soon.
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Did you know initial fares for the Big U's maiden voyage were set at $360 first class, $230 cabin class, $170 tourist class, and the luxury suites went for $930?
Brought up to 2015 with inflation that's $3,230, $2,063, $1,525, and $8,345 respectively.
How much would you pay for a night aboard the Big U?
Consider donating today to ensure future generations will be able to board America's Flagship.
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Celebrate Amazon Prime Day and Help Support the Conservancy's Efforts
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On Wednesday, July 15, new and existing Amazon Prime members will be able to shop thousands of Lightning Deals, Deals of the Day, and receive unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping. Members will find deals starting at midnight PDT, with new deals starting throughout the day, as often as every ten minutes.
And when you make your Amazon Prime purchases by starting at smile.amazon.com and designating the SS United States Conservancy as your charity-of-choice, a portion of the purchase price will be donated to the Conservancy automatically and at no additional cost to you!
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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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The restored SS United States as rendered by renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay. Macaulay continues to advise the Conservancy on curatorial issues, including its forthcoming digital exhibition. The Norman Rockwell Museum has begun planning a special exhibition that will feature David Macaulay's fascinating explorations of the SS United States, beginning with his initial shipboard encounter as a ten-year-old transatlantic passenger. |
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Executive Director's Update
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Dear Conservancy supporters:
As we continues to advance plans for the SS United States's redevelopment, our curatorial programs are also picking up steam. Our future SS United States Center for Design and Discovery will explore the ship's emergence as a singular American post-war achievement and will feature exciting exhibitions on maritime history, 20th century industrial innovation, American cultural identity, and mid-century modern art and design.
In the short-term, we will be developing a digital exhibition to feature a number of the SS United States's colorful characters and famous - and infamous - passengers. We'll also delve into some of the ship's unique design and top-secret features. We will be guided by a team of creative and talented advisors, including renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay.
David Macaulay has explored almost every inch of the 990-foot-long vessel, and his book about the SS United States is nearing completion. We're thrilled to be sharing here one of David's sketches of the mighty ship's restored and revitalized exterior.
David's reflections on the ship's potential rebirth can be read on his blog. Like so many of us, David has high hopes for "America's Flagship." He writes:
"For me the most important reason for developing the SS United States as a destination for years to come, is simply to preserve its iconic form. In other words, it's all about the view-the elegant lines, the breathtaking scale and the bold no-nonsense colors. But this is no trivial matter. While she may no longer travel the Atlantic, this ship still has the power to transport those on board and particularly those who see and approach her from a distance."
We agree with David: the SS United States "still has the power to transport" and we can't thank you enough for your continued support. Together we will Save Our Ship!
Best wishes,
Susan Gibbs, Executive Director
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July 30 Gathering in Philadelphia
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We invite you to join us on Thursday, July 30th in Philadelphia! While our major fundraising event and special tribute planned for Jordan Morris have been postponed until September 17th, we have an exciting line-up planned:
 2:30-4:30: SS United States exhibition design session led by David Macaulay. To RSVP, please email info@ssusc.org and put "Design Session RSVP" in the subject line. This is a free event. 5:30-7:00: Planning/Host Committee meeting. Interested in helping with our September 17th event or serving on the host committee? Please join us at the Union League of Philadelphia for an important planning meeting! For more information and to RSVP, please contact Allee at aberger@ssusc.org.
7:30-? Gather with Conservancy chapter chairs, staff, and supporters for libations and light fare, venue TBD. To RSVP and ensure you receive event information, please email info@ssusc.org and put "July 30 Evening RSVP" in the subject line.
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In Loving Memory of John Maxtone-Graham
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The SS United States Conservancy sadly notes the passing of maritime historian, author, and lecturer John Maxtone-Graham on July 6, 2015 at age 85.
He was a frequent speaker on cruise ships and authored many notable maritime books including "The Only Way to Cross," "Liners to the Sun," histories of the S.S. Normandie and S.S. France/Norway, and of course, his final book, "SS United States: Red, White and Blue Riband."
John recognized the challenges we face in trying to save "America's Flagship", but he predicted that "future generations, large numbers of them inveterate cruising passengers, will doubtless flock aboard a preserved and restored SS United States." We will work to make John's prediction come true, and we're forever grateful to him for capturing and composing the Big U's extraordinary story on his pages.
Our sincere condolences go out to his wife Mary and his four children. A memorial service is tentatively planned for the fall.
You can read John's obituary written by Sam Roberts in The New York Times.
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