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What's Fun, Fashionable & Shows Your Support?
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Now available: Limited edition t-shirts featuring the SS United States' iconic funnels and former cadet and Conservancy supporter Captain Alex Keisch!
For just $25 (plus shipping), you can own this t-shirt that beautifully captures the Big U in her prime. Of course, there is a wonderful backstory behind how this magnificent photograph was taken, but you'll have to wait to hear it from Captain Alex yourself! He is also available to autograph your shirt at the Conservancy's next event!
Purchase one of these popular t-shirts before they're sold out. This is a limited-time offer. When they're gone, they're gone!
For orders within the US, please select a size then click the button below. For orders outside the United States, please email ebenningfield@ssusc.org.
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Union League Event Fundraising results; Blue Riband Honorees
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| | Paul Stipkovich and Bill Magee are presented Blue Riband Outreach Awards by the Conservancy's executive director, Susan Gibbs. |
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| | Atlantic Logistics' Ray Griffiths receives the Blue Riband Award. (Justin Trout was also honored.) |
The Conservancy's "Star-Spangled Fundraiser" held at Philadelphia's Union League on October 29 helped build powerful momentum and raise crucial funds for our efforts to save the SS United States. The event sought to replicate the glamour, style, and opulence enjoyed by may transatlantic passengers aboard the nation's greatest ocean liner. Our Star-Spangled Fundraiser raised a net profit of $42,000! Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to make this event such a success!
To view event highlights, check out the video footage created by Blue Riband outreach award winner, Bill Magee.
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Show Us Your #SavetheUnitedStates
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Help us broaden our reach by showing your #SaveTheUnitedStates hashtag. Post photos or videos of yourself or friends holding the hashtag #SaveTheUnitedStates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use #SaveTheUnitedStates anytime you tweet, Instagram, or post links on Facebook. By showing your #SaveTheUnitedStates you help drive traffic to our social media sites while sharing your passion to save our nation's flagship.
Remember, #SaveTheUnitedStates!
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Help spread awareness of America's Flagship.
Thanks to your support, we have over 14,600 "likes" on our Facebook page! Remember to follow us on all of our social media platforms and encourage your friends, colleagues, and family members to join you!
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| | The SS United States Conservancy's New York Chapter at "America's Parade" in New York on Veteran's Day. |
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Executive Director's Update
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Dear Conservancy Supporters:
Thank you for everything you're doing to help us Save the United States. We can't thank you enough for responding to our global call to action, from marching in "America's Parade" in New York on Veteran's Day, to sharing your photographs and stories about the ship, to flying to Philadelphia from near and far and attending our "star-spangled fundraiser," to using AmazonSmile for your holiday purchases, to becoming Conservancy members and contributing to our campaign so generously. We are deeply grateful. It all adds up and it all makes a huge difference!
The recent outpouring of public and media support is not only keeping "America's Flagship" afloat, but it is building the momentum that is enabling us to press ahead with our redevelopment plans in conjunction with several potential sites and partners. We look forward to sharing further details as soon as we possibly can.
We understand that it is frustrating that we haven't yet crossed the finish line, and that the ship hasn't yet received a fresh coat of paint. It is frustrating that the ship's monthly insurance, dockage, and security/management expenses add up. It is frustrating that some redevelopment details remain subject to confidentiality agreements, and it is frustrating that securing permits and approvals takes such a long time. However, we continue to make real headway, and we will continue to try to address your questions and concerns. For starters, we invite you to check out our updated Questions & Answers document, recently uploaded to the Conservancy's website homepage.
Despite the challenges, the SS United States has managed to hold on. She has now smashed two world records: one for fastest transatlantic crossing and the other for longest time in lay-up. The fact that she continues to persevere inspires us to continue our fight to save her. As with the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building and other soaring national symbols, "America's Flagship" is worth far more than the value of her steel, stone, and aluminum.
As I was escorting a French film crew aboard the ship last month, we stayed at the ship's Philadelphia pier until late afternoon as they completed their exterior shots. As the sun was beginning to set, I snapped a picture of the ship's hull, her name "United States" illuminated in the fading light. Since then, I've stared at this photo many times, and I've finally figured out why. While the shot was taken just before dusk, it could just as easily be depicting the ship at dawn.
Susan Gibbs, Executive Director
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Help us save the SS United States today!
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The Conservancy Salutes our Nation's Veterans
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| | Image courtesy of New York Chapter C0-chair Paul Stipkovich |
Although never called into duty, the SS United States was always at the ready to serve her country in the event of war. Designed for quick transformation from luxury liner to troop carrier, the SS United States could transport 15,000 troops 10,000 miles without refueling!
This past Veteran's Day, our New York Chapter marched in "America's Parade" in New York City - we could not have been more proud. New York Chapter members who escorted the Big U's mighty funnels down 5th Avenue included Ely, Michael, William, Ralph, Cassie, Janette, Donald, Jaye, Carl, Glenn, Susan (and friend), Delia, Paul and Freddie. The Conservancy also thanks board member Dan McSweeney, United War Veterans Council President, for providing us with this opportunity. Check out the photos below of our wonderful supporters who went above and beyond!
To our nation's veterans and active-duty soldiers - we salute you!
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Major Donation from Anode Solutions Inc. &
Anode Systems Co. will help protect the Big U
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The Conservancy is very pleased to announce receipt of a major in-kind donation: Anode Solutions Inc. and Anode Systems Company have teamed up to offer expert cathodic protection support to the SS United States.
All steel-hulled ships are at risk of corrosion because of complicated chemical reactions that occur when metals meet water, and these galvanic threats can be minimized by installing "sacrificial anodes" - electrochemically active metals - on the ship's hull. Thankfully, the brackish water of the Delaware River has minimized these threats, and the hull of the SS United States remains strong. However, this support from Anode Solutions and Anode Systems Company will include an in-depth assessment and provide additional protection as the ship is readied for redevelopment.
Texas-based Anode Solutions and Anode Systems Company, founded in 1984 in Grand Junction, Colorado, protect a number of the nation's great historic ships, including Battleships Texas and New Jersey, the USS Midway, USS Intrepid, and RMS Queen Mary. The Conservancy is deeply grateful to Hans Schmoldt of Anode Systems and Lance Thomas of Anode Solutions for their generous support. They are truly helping us keep the SS United States afloat!
 
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A Star Spangled Fundraiser Gathers Supporters in Philadelphia
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Once again, we would like to thank everyone who supported our "Star-Spangled Fundraiser" last month. We also send a special shout-out to Kyle Ober for photographing the festivities. The event sought to replicate the style and glamour of a transatlantic crossing, and we remain deeply grateful to everyone who attended and helped build #SavetheUnitedStates campaign momentum!
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Paul Stipkovich, Carl Wesch, Mario Alvarez-Garcillan, Bill Magee, and former crewmember
Jim Green (L to R) |
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Event chair and Advisory Council member Sean Edwards (center) with fiancee Kelly Ganczarz, and the Union League's Stuart Mahan |
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Conservancy Staff (from left to right) Jennifer Rogers, Christine Hower, Susan Gibbs, Allee Davis, and Eva Benningfield
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Susan Gibbs,
Joe Rota, and
Taylor Zappone join event performers Marc Jonson (center left), Dan Landau (center right), and Rachel Neitzke (far right) |
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Brooklyn pier owner
John Quadrozzi chats with supporter
Tom Chirby and Conservancy board member
Susan Caccavale
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Blue Riband Council and Advisory Council member Frank Slate Brooks & performer Marc Jonson
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On October 31, the Conservancy received a wonderful letter from Gloria, a former passenger who sailed aboard the SS United States:
I was fortunate enough to travel on the United States several times in the 1950s. My happiest memories are connected to these voyages.
Commodore Anderson was so very gracious. My Dad was a big shipper on the United States Lines and we enjoyed many perks because of this. I'll never forget the navy blue and stainless steel decorated staterooms, the stainless steel vases filled with red roses. Bob Hope performed one night and strode the deck in his beret and walking stick. Tennessee Williams held forth in the smoking lounge. But my best memory was falling down a flight of steps into the arms of Salvador Dali!
There were conga lines through the first class public rooms and my Mom and I stared out our windows as we reached France.
My heart breaks that this might vessel might be scrapped. I became a travel agent specializing in cruises and I believe my experience on the SS United States influenced my decision to do so. As mighty and huge as the ships are today, they will never match her majesty the United States.
I hope this little amount helps to save her.
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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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SS United States Conservancy
P.O. Box 32115
Washington, DC 20007
(888) 488-7787
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