CRUISE INDUSTRY VETERAN AND SS UNITED STATES CHAMPION
JIM POLLIN DONATES $200,000 TO HELP SAVE AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP

Supporters Gathered at Big U's Propeller in New York City for Donation Presentation, Legacy Cruise Send-Off
Supporters of America's Flagship recently enjoyed the sights and sounds of New York City while celebrating the legendary ocean liner during a special gathering that included a sightseeing cruise of New York Harbor and a presentation at Pier 76. 
 
Gathered in front of one of the SS United States' four-bladed propellers with Manhattan's skyline in the background, cruise industry veteran and longtime Conservancy supporter Jim Pollin announced a generous $200,000 donation to support the organization's efforts to save America's Flagship. When announcing his donation, Jim said in part, "We are very lucky that the SS United States is still afloat... She is a stellar example of American craftsmanship... Saving America's Flagship is a patriotic project that can make us all proud.” CLICK HERE to watch the full presentation ceremony.
Prior to the donation presentation, the Conservancy's New York Chapter welcomed Flagship fans to the Big Apple for a special Circle Line cruise of New York Harbor. Dozens of supporters enjoyed stunning views of the city's famous skyline and the Statue of Liberty, with added commentary and narration provided by New York Chapter Co-Chair Glen Lappin. CLICK HERE to see more pictures from the New York Chapter. (Image above courtesy of NY Chapter Co-Chair Paul Stipkovich)
LEGACY CRUISE STRENGTHENS RESOLVE TO SAVE THE BIG U

Flagship Supporters Enjoyed Fascinating Presentations, Film Screenings and More
The Conservancy's second Maritime Legacy Cruise, organized and supported by The Pollin Group, was a great success. An enthusiastic group from around the country enjoyed a week of SS United States-related festivities, presentations on the Conservancy's curatorial and preservation programs and the ship's storied history, along with adventures at ports-of-call along the coast of Maine and Nova Scotia.

The trip combined relaxation and recreation with fascinating presentations, a screening of the award winning documentary "Lady in Waiting," ocean liner-themed games, and much, much more. Among the highlights was the panel discussion (pictured here) featuring former ship surgeon Harold Goldfarb and radio bellboy (among other positions) Bob Altner, as well as former passengers Stephen Wassner, Tom Whiting, and Deborah Toogood-Oliver, who all shared hilarious, poignant, and gripping memories of their experiences aboard the Big U.

We look forward to future events and once again, thank Jim Pollin and The Pollin Group for all their support. 
MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
Conservancy President Susan Gibbs, reads in this “Maiden Voyage Reflection” from the diary of her grandmother Vera Cravath Gibbs, who described the excitement and festivities of the SS United States’ maiden voyage. 

The wife of the ship’s renowned designer, William Francis Gibbs, the transatlantic crossing was the culmination of her husband’s forty-year quest to construct the fastest ocean liner in history. While “WF,” as she affectionately called him, spent much of his time in the Engine Room or the Bridge, Vera Gibbs enjoyed the ship’s fine food and jovial atmosphere.
Peter Green, a supporter from Maine, recently shared this picture showing his excitement for the 70th anniversary of the Big U's maiden voyage. 
 
When he shared the photo, Peter said, "The SS United States needs to be saved as a significant milestone in the maritime history of the nation... in saving the ship, we just may come one step closer to saving and bridging the divisions plaguing the ship's namesake nation."
 
Show your flagship pride. Send us a photo wearing your maiden voyage 70th anniversary t-shirt, along with a short quote about why you believe we need to save the SS United States. It might just end up on our social media channels.

THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"She has survived for 70 years for a reason. She is a stellar example of American craftsmanship. Now let’s bring her back to life for new generations to experience." - Jim Pollin, Flagship Supporter