July 13, 2019
Photograph of the Big U returning to New York, courtesy of the Frank O. Braynard collection.
As we mentioned in the most recent edition of this newsletter, the Conservancy has declared July 2019 "Blue Riband Month." That means we'll be devoting this entire month to celebrating the SS United States ' record-breaking maiden voyage with beautiful throwback photos, fun facts about America's Flagship, and special events.

In addition to next weekend's tour of the vessel — reserved for former passengers, crew, and family, along with one social media contest winner (to be announced this week on our Facebook page ) — we're also honoring America's Flagship with a patriotic lighting on this very evening (Saturday, July 13, 2019).

This date was chosen because it is the eve of July 14 — the anniversary of the ship's triumphant return to New York after her maiden voyage. As she passed the Ambrose Light, the SS United States secured the record for the fastest westbound crossing of the Atlantic, as well as her place in history.

Flagship Fact: The ship (which carried 1,600 passengers, including Milton Berle and Vincent Astor) was greeted in New York by President Harry and First Lady Bess Truman, while a band played "The Star Spangled Banner" in celebration.

If you find yourself in the vicinity of the Big U's current berth on the Delaware River on Saturday evening between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., you'll have a rare chance to see the ship bathed in glorious red, white, and blue light. Though she is visible from several spots in South Philadelphia, you can get a particularly great view from the IKEA parking lot, located at 2206 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148.

If you're unable to catch a glimpse of the illuminated SS United States , don't worry — we'll be sharing stunning photos in the next edition of this update. Stay tuned...
#FlagshipFacts  — On her maiden voyage, the SS United States carried a whopping 7,935 quarts of ice cream (along with 500 pounds of caviar).
A cake created for Gibbs & Cox's 90th anniversary by celebrity chef, Buddy Valastro.
Photograph courtesy of Gibbs & Cox, Inc.
Speaking of special events, this year marks the 90th anniversary of Gibbs & Cox , the now-legendary firm responsible for the design of the SS United States , as well as 7,000 other vessels (including 70 percent of American wartime ships during World War II).

The Conservancy's leader, Susan Gibbs, addressed the firm's recent anniversary celebration held at the National Museum of the United States Navy. Susan is the granddaughter of William Francis Gibbs — the esteemed naval architect who pursued his dream of designing the "perfect ship" for almost 40 years. This quest culminated in the SS United States .

The event was a celebration of Gibbs & Cox's storied past and continued work in pioneering ship design. Seven decades after the design phase of the SS United States , the firm continues to take an active role in preserving our nation's flagship through the current feasibility studies for redevelopment.
Susan Gibbs speaks at the Gibbs & Cox 90th anniversary celebration. Photograph courtesy of Gibbs & Cox, Inc.
A Familiar Vessel on TV's American Dad
A still from American Dad , depicting a ship that strongly resembles the SS United States .
Screenshot courtesy of Rob Harris.
67 years after her maiden voyage, the SS United States continues to inspire supporters the world over. And, unsurprisingly, she continues to make appearances in works of art and pop culture of various kinds.

On June 24, viewers of the long-running animated sitcom American Dad were treated to a brief, yet memorable cameo from a ship that, while never mentioned by name, certainly bears a striking resemblance to the Big U.

Thanks to supporter Rob Harris for alerting us (and for capturing the excellent screenshot above)!

Have you spotted America's Flagship in any recent television shows, movies, or other media? Let us know .
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
A souvenir log card from the record-breaking maiden voyage. Courtesy of Charles Anderson.
Continuing with our month-long celebration of the Big U's unforgettable first journey across the Atlantic, we're delighted to share with you some amazing footage of the ship's first ever arrival in Le Havre, France — a port that she would revisit hundreds of times in the ensuing years.

The clip, which comes to us courtesy of British Pathé, captures an incredible moment in the history of America's Flagship. You can watch it in full here .

After the "World's Fastest Ocean Liner" arrived at her final destination, the New York Times weighed in with some powerful words:

"America's new mistress of the seas came to this French port tonight wearing her laurels like an aristocrat. The liner United States has shattered all records for speed of commercial vessels and is being greeted here as a seagoing engineering achievement whose performance has far surpassed rival shipping, taking to the United States for the first time in a hundred years supremacy along the merchant sea lanes."

For more stories, photos, and memories surrounding the Big U's maiden voyage, be sure to like the Conservancy's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter .
The Conservancy is continually amazed by the generosity of our vast network of supporters. Your continued support buoys our efforts to create a bright future for America's Flagship.

Through the years, we've had numerous supporters create Facebook birthday fundraisers. These campaigns are incredibly effective because they not only help raise much-needed funds for the Big U, they also spread awareness of the vessel to people in who might otherwise know her incredible story.

This week, we're sending our heartfelt thanks to Paul Stipkovich (New York Chapter co-chair) and Carl Wesch (Chapter chair-at-large) — both of whom previously received Conservancy Blue Riband awards. Paul and Carl recently started Facebook fundraisers for their respective birthdays and secured significant donations for the SS United States Conservancy.

If you decide to create a fundraiser around your birthday, please let us know so we can thank you personally for your generosity!
"[The SS United States ] was built at a time when 'made in America’ really meant something, and that is a legacy that cannot be lost."  — H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest (1930-2018)