July 9, 2016 | ssusc.org

News Updates

Photographer Jeffery Katz Finds New Angles of the SS United States

Help Us Build Our Curatorial Collection

Advisory Council Member David Macaulay Illustrates the Ship's Inner Workings

RSVP for These Exciting Events Now

This Week Marks the 64th Anniversay of the Big U's Maiden Voyage, and Her Speed Record Still Stands

Capturing the Promise of the Future on Film

Photo courtesy of Jeffery Katz Photography.

The work of photographer Jeffery Katz is informed by his love of architecture and engineering. When he photographed the SS United States to assist the Conservancy in telling the ship's story, he paid special attention to the angles that had yet to be documented. He hopes the images he captured convey a "sense of romance and promise for what the future may bring."

Reflecting on his visit, he says: "She's in remarkably good shape for all she's been through post-retirement from United States Lines. The team at Pier 82 has done an admirable job of keeping her dry, clean, and well cared for."

Katz is intrigued by the possibility of the ship's return to sea, and especially curious as to how the SS United States could be renovated while keeping the superstructure and intention behind her design intact. According to Katz, "Twenty years spent in limbo is certainly long enough - it's time to start a new chapter, and if it is written, it will be one for the maritime history books."

We're grateful to Katz for devoting his time and talent to recording this moment in the story of the SS United States on film, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with him. We hope you enjoy the results of that collaboration as much as we do.

To view a complete portfolio of the photos he took while aboard the ship, click here.

Have You Filled Out Our Collector's Survey?

Thanks to those who have responded to our private collector's survey! To share information on items in your collection, especially those you would be willing to consider loaning to the Conservancy on a short-term basis for future exhibitions, click here.

Photo courtesy of

Margaret Dexter.

As you fill it out the survey, keep in mind that the more details you can give us, the better: for instance, one former passenger described a child's sailor hat he has from an August 1969 trip from Southampton to New York "with the inscription S.S. UNITED STATES -- a bit discolored with age."

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

David Macaulay Takes Us Into the Powerplant

Image courtesy of David Macaulay.

In this imaginative rendering, author-illustrator and SS United States Conservancy Advisory Council member David Macaulay examines how the propellers, turbines, and boiler worked together to give the Big U her record-setting speed capabilities. He also compares her powerplant to that of the RMS Queen Mary, and concludes that the competition between the two ships for the Blue Riband "was never going to be a fair fight."

We're grateful to Macaulay for sharing exclusive looks at drawings destined for his forthcoming book (a history of technology centered on the design and construction of the SS United States). He also continues to guide the Conservancy's curatorial team as it generates creative exhibition approaches. Macaulay joined a team of experts at the Conservancy's recent curatorial planning meeting, where a range of exciting shipboard and land-based museum concepts were discussed.

Follow David Macaulay's Journey for more of his inimitable perspective on the SS United States.

Exciting Events on the Horizon

Just 21 Days Until Our Summer Gathering!

Photo courtesy of Frank Slate Brooks.

The countdown to our poolside gathering on North Carolina on July 30th is on! If you haven't yet RSVP'd, you still have time to do so, but don't delay --email info@ssusc.org with "summer event" in the email subject line to ensure your spot on the guest list.

Join Us for A Special Reception at the Mattatuck

Graphic designed by Gregory Shutters.

On August 6th, we'll be partnering with our New England chapter to host a closing weekend reception for the special oceanliner exhibition at the famed Mattatuck Museum. Attendees will have the chance to view an exquisite collection of artifacts, including some from the SS United States, and to hear executive director Susan Gibbs speak. Directions and more can be found here. Plan to attend? Please email info@ssusc.org or newengland@ssusc.org with your anticipated headcount.

You're Invited to Our Crew Reunion and Celebration

More information to come in a subsequent update!

We'll be hosting a crew reunion and celebration (open to all!) aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia on Spetmeber 17th. More details can be found on the event registration page or by downloading this printable invitation.

Looking Back on the Big U's Maiden Voyage

Image courtesy of the SS United States Conservancy Archives.

No ship has ever made transatlantic crossings in both directions faster than the United States. We continue to be "rightfully proud of the achievement," as the abstract log from her maiden voyage put it, and "we believe, you are, too."

Help spread awareness of America's Flagship.

Thanks to your support, we have over 17,090 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!

SS United States Conservancy

P.O. Box 32115

Washington, DC 20007

(888) 488-7787

ssusc.org