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December 15, 2018

Photograph courtesy of Mark Harvey.

The SS United States Conservancy has worked tirelessly since acquiring America’s Flagship to raise awareness of the SS  United States ’ historical importance and ensure that this national symbol inspires and endures for generations to come. Our vision has centered on the ship’s conversion into a dynamic mixed-use development, immersive shipboard museum, and gleaming waterfront destination.

Earlier this week we announced an important step forward toward achieving that goal. The Conservancy entered into an agreement with a prominent commercial real estate development firm, RXR Realty, which will begin to explore options for the SS  United States ’ revitalization. Read our announcement HERE .

The Conservancy's curatorial programs also advanced over the course of the year. We grew our collections of original artifacts from the ship, adding hundreds of items of furniture, artwork, serveware, ship models, archival documents and more. Earlier this year, the Conservancy’s New York Chapter spearheaded an exciting exhibition in partnership with the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island. Next up is a long-awaited exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum featuring David Macaulay’s forthcoming book about the SS  United States , Crossing on Time , paired with highlights from the Conservancy’s permanent collection.

We hope you will consider initiating or  renewing your support  at this exciting time. Your year-end gift of $25, $100, $250 or whatever you can spare will give an enormous boost to our efforts. The Conservancy must continue to raise resources for the ship’s safekeeping and advance our museum plans in anticipation of further redevelopment progress. 

America’s Flagship serves as a powerful and beautiful symbol of national pride, beauty and resilience. She reminds us that when we pull together as a nation, anything is possible. 

Our  year-end appeal  will be reaching your mailboxes next week, and we can't thank you enough for your generous support. With your help, we are more determined than ever to save the SS  United States !

In entering into its redevelopment agreement with the SS United States Conservancy, RXR Realty issued the following statement to   our supporters: 

"The SS   United States  is one of America's great vessels and an icon of American engineering and design. Given our history of repurposing and updating some of this country's most historic structures, we are now working with the SS United States Conservancy to explore what options might exist for the ship, going forward. We are currently at the very beginning of this process — a process that will require substantial work on all sides. At the end of this period, we will have a better sense as to whether we have a viable plan and, if so, the specifics of that plan and in which waterfront community it might be actualized."

A number of media outlets from across the country have picked up on the Conservancy's agreement with RXR Realty, including The Philadelphia Inquirer . We will keep you informed as this due diligence process advances.

Left: The SS United States arrives in Southampton in 1952. Photo courtesy of Arthur C. Taddei.

Right: The RMS Titanic departs Southampton in 1912. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

The subject of countless songs, books, and movies, the RMS Titanic has remained a cultural icon for more than a century. A new immersive gaming experience from Virtual Digital Revival gives audiences a glimpse of life aboard the ill-fated ship. Underwater expeditions are being planned aboard submersible vessels to visit the Titanic wreck two and a half miles below sea level. There might even be a full-sized replica on the water as early as 2022.

While the Titanic still inspires awe the world over, the SS United States remains the "most famous ship that didn't sink." America's Flagship is more than 100 feet longer than the Titanic , and she could travel faster in reverse than the Titanic could go forward! To learn more about how these legendary vessels stack up, CLICK HERE.

Help Us Save America's Flagship!

The SS United States , bathed in red, white, and blue light, on December 8, 2018.

Photograph courtesy of Michael Wolfe.

It's not every day the Big U is illuminated, but, when it is, you can bet there's excitement in the air! Back in February, the ship " went green" to celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles' victory in Super Bowl LII. Last weekend, the SS United States was once again decked out in colorful light — this time, a patriotic triad of red, white, and blue.

What, you may ask, was the occasion? On Saturday, December 8, 2018, millions across the globe tuned in to catch the 119th game in the long-running college football rivalry between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen. Though the contest was quite competitive, the Black Knights ultimately came out on top, with a final score of 17-10.

As America’s greatest and sole remaining ocean liner, the SS United States has a long, proud association with our nation’s military. In honor of this iconic, annual gridiron showdown — which, this year, took place near the ship's current berth in South Philadelphia — the Big U was proudly lit up with the colors of "Ol' Glory."

If you're not already, make sure you're following us on social media, to stay current with all things Big U. Sharing images of the ship (like the one above) is a great way to let your family and friends know about this unforgettable symbol of our national heritage. Find out how else you can help save America's Flagship today.

Santa visits the SS United States , 2016.

It's mid-December, and the clock is ticking for those of us who haven't yet finished our holiday shopping. Selecting the right gift — one that is both thoughtful and practical — can be tricky.

Why not consider purchasing a gift membership, or making a donation in someone's honor? Supporting the SS  United States  directly is a deeply meaningful gesture. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving, as we work to save her for future generations.

If you're planning to use Amazon for your holiday shopping this year,  AmazonSmile  is a great way to support the Big U automatically, at no extra cost to you.  CLICK HERE  to learn more.