September 17, 2016 | ssusc.org

In This Update

What a Ship's Manifest Can Tell Us About the Past -- And How to Share Passenger and Crew Records With the Conservancy

Only a Few of These Limited Edition Key Chains Remain -- Buy Yours Today!

A Thirteen-Year-Old's Love of Ocean Liners Led Her to Raise More Than $100 for the Conservancy

Photographer Anders Johannessen Believes This is a "Year of Decision" for the SS United States

Have You Heard About the Footage Premiered at Our Crew Reunion and Celebration?

The Important Role a Ship's Manifest Can Play in Reconstructing the Past

Courtesy of Ken Landfield/Alaska Dispatch News.

On the 24th of October, 1952, the SS United States left Le Havre for New York. A ship's manifest found by a genealogist cousin shows that Ken Landfield's parents were among the passengers on that voyage.

His father was returning to the United States from his time studying at the Sorbonne in Paris - funded by the G.I. Bill. His mother, newly married to his father, had never crossed the Atlantic before. "I've heard that my dad spent a fair amount of time telling my mom of the wonders that awaited her in Chicago, such as peanut butter and root beer, a taste for either of which she never did quite develop. While she was very proud of having become an American, she never lost appreciation of or affection for where she came from, and went back often," writes Landfield.

He uses the manifest his cousin dug up to explore the experience of coming to America in the 1950s. To read the full piece, click here.

As you may know, the SS United States Conservancy is in the process of creating a comprehensive collection of passenger lists which we will use to create a searchable database. This database will make it possible for former passengers and their descendants (like Landfield) to trace their connection to the SS United States. If you have any passenger lists and would be willing to share the originals, photocopies, or digital scans with the Conservancy, please visit this page for more information!

Claim Your Limited Edition Key Tag Before Supplies Run Out!

Courtesy of Carl Wesch.

Don't miss your chance to own an exact replica of the aluminum key tags used for passenger staterooms on board the SS United States!

The tag shown in the photo above is a perfect reproduction of the one used for the Duck Suite, which was the stateroom of choice for Duke and Duchess of Windsor whenever they sailed on the SS United States.

Made in the USA to the same exacting standards as the original fobs, these are solid aluminum measuring 3 1/4 inches long (excluding the ring) and 1/8 inch thick. This limited edition item will be available for a short time only, so if you'd like to show your support for the Big Ship in style, click here to buy now!

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

The SS United States at Pier 82 in Philadelphia, courtesy of Anders Johannessen.

Why a Thirteen-Year-Old Just Raised Over $100 to Save the Ship

Courtesy of Julianna Sukel.

Julianna can't quite remember how she first found about the SS United States. She thinks it might have been through Instagram, where she runs the account "golden_age_of_ocean_liners." Although she is only thirteen years old, she has a deep love for the great ocean liners of the past. Julianna recently contacted the Conservancy to tell us she had planned an art show with a friend to raise money to save the ship. She (and her parents) gave us permission to share her story with you.

When asked what she thinks is the single most important thing about the SS United States, she said: "I honestly can't limit it to just one thing!" She is especially impressed by the engineering of the ship, as well as by her unmatchable speed. "She was the most revolutionary ship that was ever built," she said, "so advanced that her design was guarded by the government. She's almost all we have left of the golden age of ocean liners."

Thanks to contributions from patrons at her art show and from her family and friends, Julianna raised $101 dollars for the Conservancy. To top it off, she hand-decorated the envelope and stationary! In the enclosed letter, Julianna expressed her hope that the SS United States could be restored as museum and hotel. "The most beautiful ship ever built must be saved," she wrote. Julianna, we couldn't agree more. We're very proud to be able to count you among our supporters.

For more stories about the unique way our supporters contribute to our mission, click here!

Maritime Photographer Documents the SS United States' "Year of Decision"

SS United States Sun Deck, courtesy of Anders Johannessen.

Anders Johannessen, author of the book The Story of Saga Rose and Saga Ruby: The Last Norwegian America Liners, believes this is a "year of decision" for the SS United States as the Conservancy advances plans to convert the ship into a mixed-used development in an urban waterfront setting. He has previously written about the rebirth of the SS Rotterdam, a model the Conservancy is studying closely as we formulate our own redevelopment plans.

SS United States Foredeck, courtesy of Anders Johannessen.

Johannessen, who plans to write a book about the SS United States, recently had the chance to visit to her at Pier 82. He captured over 100 images of the ship during the visit, which he paired with an article about this moment in her history.

"Walking through the public rooms, promenades, and decks of the United States, one still gets a strong sense of majesty and solidity, which is a testament to the ship's builders" Johannessen wrote. "The American flagship's character is still there, if dormant. She deserves a second chance."

Click here to read Johannessen's article and view the photos he took of the SS United States.

Never Before Seen Footage Premiered at Crew Reunion and Celebration

Courtesy of Charter Weeks.

Have you heard about the never before seen film footage of the SS United States that premiered at the kick-off reception of this weekend's Crew Reunion and Celebration in Philadelphia? The original footage taken in New York harbor in 1968 by Chicago Films was restored by Charter Weeks, a former principal at Chicago Films. Weeks attended the premiere and offered commentary on the film.

The Conservancy will be offering DVDs for sale beginning next week -- stay tuned for details on how to purchase -- and in the meantime, click here to view a short clip!

Help spread awareness of America's Flagship.

Thanks to your support, we have over 17,600 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!

SS United States Conservancy

P.O. Box 32115

Washington, DC 20007

(888) 488-7787

ssusc.org