December 20, 2018
Santa was spotted aboard the ship in 2016. Milk and cookies will soon be placed atop the forward funnel in hopes of luring him back for a return visit.
As 2018 draws to a close, we would like to thank you so much for your support during this eventful year . The SS United States remains safely and proudly afloat because you have refused to give up on America's Flagship.

Over the course of the year, you contributed to our efforts in so many ways, from your generous financial contributions, to attending events at local chapters around the country, to purchasing gifts from our shop, to speaking about the importance of saving the ship with friends, family members, colleagues, elected officials, and the media. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and we would like to wish you and yours a peaceful holiday season and a happy, prosperous new year.
Thanks to Conservancy New York Chapter Co-Chair Paul Stipkovich for this festive image.
“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
On December 10, the Conservancy announced an agreement with a prominent commercial real estate development firm, RXR Realty, which will begin to explore options for the SS United States ’ revitalization. Since then, the announcement has been reported on by a number of news outlets, including the Philadelphia Inquirer , Curbed , Trade Winds , The Maritime Executive , and Cruise Industry News .

The Conservancy’s agreement with RXR Realty is still in its very early stages, and we look forward to keeping you updated as this process advances.
Commodore John Anderson meets with SS United States designer William Francis Gibbs. At Anderson's feet is his beloved spaniel, Chota Peg. Photo courtesy of Charles Anderson.
While she continues to be a soaring symbol of national pride for Americans, the Big U has long held a special place in the hearts of citizens across the globe. A letter from the European publicity office of United States Lines — dated December 1959, and addressed to longtime SS United States captain, Commodore John Anderson — is a prime example of why this mighty vessel has meant so much to so many.

The letter (provided to the Conservancy, courtesy of Carl Weber of the SS United States Group ) details a plan to host a special Christmas party for British orphans, to take place aboard America's Flagship.

"It will be very nice if a Christmas atmosphere could be achieved with a Christmas Tree in the Navajo Room and a few Gala hats and crackers if available. As far as refreshments are concerned I think cakes, ice cream and cookies will be quite satisfactory with a supply of soft drinks."

To read the letter in its entirety, CLICK HERE . Do you have any artifacts from the SS United States ? Would you be willing to share them? Consider emailing us photographs of your items! We are also continuing to interview people with direct connections to the ship for our oral history program and are always looking to add artifacts and archival documents to our growing curatorial collections.
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
Photograph courtesy of Michael Wolfe.
We hope you will consider initiating or  renewing your support  of the Conservancy 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.  We are deeply grateful to those of you who have signed up for automatic monthly donations through PayPal: This provides crucial, continuous backing throughout the course of year. The Conservancy must continue to raise resources for the ship’s safekeeping and advance our museum plans in anticipation of further redevelopment progress. 
If you're looking for a last minute holiday gift idea that's still incredibly meaningful, w hy not consider purchasing a gift membership , or making a donation in someone's honor? Every dollar donated supports our efforts to preserve this iconic national symbol for years to come.

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 !
"[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)