October 15, 2019
A Special Conservancy Event at Christie's
Conservancy President Susan Gibbs introduces David Macaulay at Christie's in New York.
Photo courtesy of Bob Driscoll.
Last Monday at Christie's in New York City, the Conservancy was joined by author and illustrator David Macaulay for a memorable evening featuring a behind-the-scenes look at his latest book, Crossing on Time. The event was a wonderful celebration of America's Flagship!

As many of our followers recall,  Crossing on Time  is the culmination of years of research and artistic endeavor by Macaulay who first stepped aboard the Big U as a wide-eyed, 10-year-old British lad, headed for his new home in America. Today, he is a widely celebrated, award-winning author and illustrator, as well as longtime member of the Conservancy’s Advisory Council.
 
Crossing on Time  is Macaulay's examination of America's great ships, as well as his tribute to the SS  United States . Back in June, the Conservancy celebrated this amazing work with a  special shipboard tour  led by David Macaulay himself.
 
The Conservancy will soon be sharing more news related to David Macaulay and his artistic depictions of the Big U. Stay tuned to this space!
David Macaulay signs copies of his book, Crossing on Time , at Christie's.
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
Midshipmen from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy pose beside the Big U.
Photo courtesy of Bob Driscoll.
This fall, the Conservancy has been proud to spend time among the distinguished faculty, staff, and students of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
 
Last month, we reported on the unveiling of a  grand painting of the SS  United States  in the Academy's Ackerman Auditorium. That event was made possible by the generous efforts of the Merchant Marine Academy's "Great Class of 1979," including the Vice President of the Conservancy's Board of Directors, Frank DeGiulio. 
 
Last week, midshipmen from the Merchant Marine Academy made a special  trip down from Kings Point, New York to South Philadelphia, where they enjoyed a bow to stern tour of America's Flagship. It was wonderful to see these young mariners get a first-hand look at one of America’s great engineering marvels.
 
For more photos from this special day,  visit our blog .
#FlagshipFacts  — ‪ In her 17 years as an oceangoing vessel, the SS United States traveled well over 2 million nautical miles over 400 voyages — all without experiencing a major mechanical failure.‬
Photo of the NS Savannah .
Courtesy of The United States Maritime Administration.
Since 1996, the  SS   United States  has remained safely afloat at her berth in South Philadelphia, where she is looked after by her dedicated caretakers. As of last month, another historic vessel has taken up temporary residence in the Big U's neighborhood.
 
The NS  Savannah  is our nation's first (and only) nuclear-powered merchant ship, named for the SS  Savannah  — the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean is now in Philadelphia for repairs.
 
The NS  Savannah  was constructed in the 1950s as part of President Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" initiative. She proudly operated for nine years before being retired from active service in 1972. From 1981 through 1994, the ship was docked in Mount Pleasant, SC, as part of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum.
 
Today, the historic vessel makes her residence in Baltimore, though she has been temporarily relocated to Philadelphia for dry dock maintenance at the city's Navy Yard. Once the maintenance has been completed, the  Savannah  will be returned to Baltimore, where plans are still being made for her future.
 
CLICK HERE  to learn more about the NS  Savannah .
 
Like the NS Savannah, the SS  United States  is a vessel with a long and storied past. She remains a floating symbol of American ingenuity, innovation, and perseverance.  Help us give America's Flagship her long-awaited second act.
"[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)