July 31, 2019
The SS United States lit up in red, white, and blue. Photo courtesy of Michael Wolfe.
As July 2019 draws to a close, we'd like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of the SS United States Conservancy. 67 years after her maiden voyage, we remain steadfast in our commitment to giving America's Flagship her much-deserved (and long-awaited) second act.

In celebration of the anniversary of the SS United States ' unforgettable, record-breaking first journey across the Atlantic, we christened July 2019 "Blue Riband Month" and have devoted the past four weeks to celebrating the ship's triumphant debut.

On July 13, the Big U was lit up in patriotic red, white, and blue at her current berth in Philadelphia. This date was chosen due to July 14 being the anniversary of her return trip — when she officially set the record for fastest round trip across the Atlantic by an ocean liner. ( #FlagshipFacts: To this day, that record has never been broken. )

Then, on July 20, former passengers, crew, and their families were invited aboard the SS United States for a special Blue Riband Month tour. The group was joined by Elizabeth Waters and her mother Ingrid Royle (both also former passengers). Elizabeth won our recent social media contest by sharing her unique connection to America's Flagship, and we'll be sharing her story with you in our next update.

In addition to the above events, we highlighted photos, facts, and stories from the Big U's glory days. In the months ahead, we're planning to share more never-before-seen photos and stories across our various social media platforms. If you're not already doing so, be sure to follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

And, as always, please consider renewing your Conservancy membership with a generous donation. Every dollar you contribute helps buoy our efforts to create a bright future for the SS United States .
Bill Magee poses with his grandchildren in front of the illuminated SS United States .
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Magee Dodulik.
CLICK HERE to help us preserve the SS United States for future generations.
#FlagshipFacts  — The SS United States could travel for 10,000 miles without stopping for fuel. She was also designed to hold 15,000 troops in the event of war.
Photo of author-illustrator David Macaulay beside the Big U. Courtesy of Bill Magee.
Last month, a select group of Conservancy members were given the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to climb aboard the SS United States for a special, extensive tour with Crossing on Time author, David Macaulay.

As longtime subscribers to this newsletter are aware, David is an award-winning author and illustrator who traveled on the Big U as a boy, relocating to his new home in the US. Crossing on Time is his newly published, lavishly illustrated, and critically acclaimed book featuring America's Flagship, informed by not just his own connection to the vessel, but also by years of painstaking research. He was a fascinating tour guide!

Today, we're delighted to share video highlights of this special tour, which takes viewers on board the SS United States with David Macaulay. The film was shot, produced, and edited by Bill Magee of MageeMedia — a longtime friend of the Conservancy who has regularly lent his video production talents to support the Big U.

The film features rarely seen areas of the SS United States , as well as moving commentary from Conservancy supporters regarding why they feel the ship should be saved.

CLICK HERE to watch The "Crossing on Time" Tour .
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
Four members of the Conservancy's Board of Directors pose for a photo.
From left to right: Mark Perry, Joe Rota, Charles Anderson, and Bill Myhre.
Photograph courtesy of Susan Gibbs.
As the Conservancy deepens its efforts to save America’s Flagship, the board of directors has elected two new members who will help further advance the organization's mission and vision. Joining the board are the Honorable Thomas Watkins and David Lawrence. 
 
Judge Watkins served on the bench of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania for more than 20 years and, together with his wife Penny, is active in a variety of civic and philanthropic activities in the Delaware Valley, including the Wayne Art Center, the Delaware Valley Art League, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Upon his election to the Board, Judge Watkins stated, “I pass by the Lady often and am always amazed at her beauty. The SS United States is an iconic piece of Americana which must be saved. And thanks again to my dear departed friend Gerry Lenfest . Hopefully he will look down and delight in seeing her reborn. May he rest in peace." 
 
David Lawrence is a longstanding member of the Conservancy's Advisory Council and an executive at AlphaUSA, a veteran-owned engineering and design-based manufacturer. Lawrence also serves as a trustee of the Livonia Community Foundation. In joining the Conservancy board, Lawrence said, "Our Nation’s Flagship is a wonder of engineering and a tangible example of American manufacturing ingenuity and mid-century modern design. Her legacy must not only be preserved, but celebrated.” 
 
The Board also recently elected a new leadership slate, naming Susan Gibbs as board President, Frank DeGiulio as Vice President, Bill Myhre as Secretary, and Mark Perry as Treasurer. "The Conservancy's board is leading the organization forward at a critical juncture," said Gibbs. "Our option agreement with RXR Realty is still in the early stages, and much hard work remains ahead. However, the Conservancy's board of directors is even more determined to ensure that America's Flagship has a bright future." 

Outgoing President Charlie Anderson will remain on the board and will continue to lend his considerable talents to Conservancy. After many years of dedicated service to the cause of saving the  United States , longtime treasurer and Conservancy co-founder, Gregory Norris, and Susan Caccavale, daughter of Gibbs & Cox engineer Elaine Kaplan, have concluded their Board terms. The organization is indebted to both for their hard work, vision, and service. The Conservancy plans to welcome several additional board members in the coming months as redevelopment and curatorial progress continues to advance.
Charles Anderson, Frank Nolan (the Conservancy's legal counsel), and Susan Gibbs.
Photograph courtesy of Bill Myhre.
"[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)