December 17, 2017
SS United States Conservancy Outreach and Preservation Director, Allee Davis.
The Conservancy works tirelessly to secure the future of America's Flagship, but did you know — we're also busy building the world's largest collection of artifacts, art and historical documents from the SS  United States?
 
Today, we're speaking with the Conservancy staff member who plays a key role in advancing our curatorial mission and protecting the legacy of America's Flagship: Outreach and
Preservation Director, Allee Davis. 
What is the most exciting about working with the Conservancy's collections?

"One of my favorite things about working with the Conservancy's curatorial collections is learning the provenance of each treasure as it is added to our permanent collection.

Donors often share compelling stories highlighting their personal connections to the ship, and these accounts truly bring the SS United States to life. Whether sharing memories of drinking whisky with Marlon Brando or clarifying the operation of the ship's watertight doors, these stories combine to convey the unparalleled significance and unique history of the Big U!"
Collection highlights: United States Lines tote bag, donated by Bruce E. Kahler.
An especially exciting donation: the complete set of furniture and other items from the ship’s Captain’s Quarters. The collection was generously donated by Steve Williams.
Photograph courtesy of Charles Anderson.
United States Lines show plate made from Mayer China, donated by Jim Rindfleisch.
What are your goals for the future of the curatorial collections?

"In keeping with the spirit of the ship, and the excitement and pride around which she was designed and built, we hope to make the history of the SS Un ited States available to the public in similar, innovative ways.

As we lay the groundwork for our future, permanent display, we're building a searchable database of former passenger and crew members. Once this basic database is finalized, an incredible network of historical connections will emerge! We're also supporting exciting temporary exhibitions: next up is a partnership with the Norman Rockwell Museum, in tandem with the release of renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay’s forthcoming book about the SS  United States ."
To read Davis' full responses and find out more about
the Conservancy's curatorial collections, click HERE.
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Browse the Conservancy's CafePress store — featuring hundreds of products incorporating original art and imagery of America's Flagship by some of the nation's finest maritime artists. You'll fine cards, tote-bags, mugs, art prints, water bottles, apparel and more!
For a meaningful gift that's sure to make an impression, consider giving a gift membership to the SS United States Conservancy. Your chosen recipient will receive a customized certificate reflecting their essential role in saving the Big U!
Nicholas Landiak and family at a 2004 crew reunion.
We are deeply saddened to share that Nicholas Landiak, former engineer aboard the SS United States, passed away peacefully on December 7th at the age of 96.

In January of 1952, Nicholas joined the crew of the Big U. He would serve aboard America's Flagship for her entire 17-year service career, rising quickly through the ranks from Second Engineer to Relieving Executive Chief Engineer.
Nicholas Landiak as a young man.
Nicholas was passionate about the SS United States, and we are profoundly grateful to him for sharing his extensive knowledge of the vessel with us.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to all of Nicholas' family and friends, as we wish him fair winds and following seas on his final passage.

Click HERE to learn more about Nicholas' incredible career aboard the Big U:
"She should be saved, because she is a symbol of the strength and endurance that our country represents.”
 — Former passenger Dottie Matthews Waterreus, Orem, UT
It's been a big year for the Big U — with extraordinary additions to the Conservancy's permanent curatorial collections ; ongoing confidential talks with potential developers about activating the ship's commercial potential; and coverage of the ship in the New York Times and other news outlets.
We are optimistic for the future, but your support is crucial in ensuring that we can keep the SS United States safely afloat as we chart a course towards her revitalization, and continue our work to preserve and honor the ship's legacy. Click HERE to renew your Conservancy membership today.
“I am honored to support the Conservancy as a steadfast guardian of such an important moment in our nation's history.”
— Steve Williams, Revere, MA