February 9, 2019
Photograph courtesy of Greg Shutters.
More than 66 years later, the Big U's story continues to inspire!

Last Thursday, February 7, WCAU (Philadelphia's NBC10) aired a story about the SS United States , which highlighted both the ship's great cultural significance and our current efforts to preserve her for future generations.

In the segment, our executive director Susan Gibbs takes NBC10 on board America's Flagship to report on the Conservancy's recent progress toward giving her a bright future.

"Docked in South Philadelphia decades after setting sail, the SS United States is still a sight that mystifies and amazes everyone who passes by.

[...] Now, a new chance to keep the iconic ship's history afloat. RXR Realty, based out of New York, made a deal with the Conservancy that owns the ship, exploring ways to redevelop while honoring its remarkable past.

'My hope for the ship is that she is brought back to life — that she has a second chance.'

Susan Gibbs is the granddaughter of the ship's designer, William Francis Gibbs. She gave NBC10 an up-close look at the 900-foot vessel that still holds the record for the fastest trip across the Atlantic, set back in 1952.

[...]

'The ship continues to bring so many people together from all walks of life, from all generations. So many people are moved to tears when they come aboard this beautiful ship.'"

CLICK HERE to watch the segment in full.
Photograph courtesy of Michael Wolfe.
Through the decades, the SS United States has been central to countless love stories — from newlyweds honeymooning at sea to lovers reunited across the Atlantic . Fans of the fabulous documentary film, SS United States : Lady in Waiting , may remember the heartwarming shipboard love story of Jim and Frieda Green. (Did Frieda drop her handkerchief on purpose...?) More recently, the vessel even played a major role in at least one wedding proposal .

Do you have any romantic memories from aboard America's Flagship? We recently asked our supporters on social media to tell us their Big U love stories, and we'll be sharing our favorite submission on our blog this Valentine's Day. Plus, the supporter whose entry is chosen will receive a special prize!

If you'd like to participate, please send your story to [email protected] no later than Tuesday, February 12, 2019. (You can share your own story, or one relayed to you by a friend or family member. Our only rule is that your entry is 250 words or less.)

As always, we thank you so much for your continued, generous support of the SS United States . To help us continue our mission to create an inspiring future for this soaring symbol of the American Dream, CLICK HERE .
"This ship represents the can-do spirit and other qualities that helped build the great nation whose name she bears on her hull. The SS  United States  is the embodiment of this country and must be preserved." — Christopher Argeson, Wayne, NJ
Can't get enough photos of the beautiful United States ? The Conservancy has just relaunched our Instagram , where we'll be sharing lots of wonderful photos of America's Flagship, from yesterday and today.

Through regular Instagram updates, we're hoping to connect with our existing supporters on the world's fastest growing social media platform, while also reaching new audiences who might not yet know the inspiring story behind The World's Fastest Ocean Liner.

If you're on Instagram, be sure to follow us: @ssusc . And, when you're posting your own photos of the Big U, use the hashtags #ssunitedstates and #savethessunitedstates.
The SS United States has carried her fair share of famous passengers over the years, but few have enjoyed the illustrious reputation of the ship's oldest ever traveler: a 460-year-old woman from Italy with a mischievous smile.

In December 1962, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa , made her first (and, to date, only) trip to America, courtesy of the SS France .

Thanks in large part to the efforts of First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Mona Lisa spent the better part of two months on display in New York and Washington, D.C., where she drew huge, wildly enthusiastic crowds.

When the time came for the return trip to her adoptive homeland of France, Mona Lisa was carried safely by none other than America's Flagship.
To learn more about Mona Lisa 's remarkable journey to the United States, as well as the star treatment she received on board the Big U, CLICK HERE .
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
"The ocean's breeze is a sauce you cannot duplicate ashore," reads The Captain's Table — the 1966 recipe book published by United States Lines.

The book was published in response to the rising popularity of the food served aboard the SS United States and SS America , and distributed to passengers on both vessels so they could attempt to replicate the delicious cuisine at home.

Though The Captain's Table is long out of print, we've posted one of the most popular recipes from the book on our blog .

If you have fond recollections of great meals — or any other memories — on board America's Flagship, we'd love to hear from you .
Valerie Kleber enjoys breakfast aboard the Big U.
Photograph courtesy of Louis Kleber.
A recent $1 donation from a Conservancy supporter. The note says, "Will send more when able to do so."
February 1, 2019 marked the 8th anniversary of the title transfer that finalized the sale of America's Flagship to the SS United States Conservancy. Ever since that day, we have worked tirelessly to preserve her — bolstered by the incredible passion and generosity of our worldwide network of supporters.

When it comes to creating a bright future for the SS United States , there is simply no gesture or donation too small. Each time you spread the word about the Big U to your friends and neighbors, you're helping us keep her afloat for future generations. Every dollar you contribute supports our combined effort to preserve the legacy of this glorious, inspiring vessel.

With Valentine's Day just a few days away, please consider showing your love for the SS United States with a tax-deductible contribution. CLICK HERE to donate now.
"[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)