February 24, 2019
Students from Stephenville High School show off their National History Day project.
Though her incredible, record-breaking maiden voyage took place nearly 67 years ago, the inspiring story of the SS United States continues to spread far and wide — resonating deeply with new and, often, young audiences.

We were so happy to learn that the SS United States was showcased in a school project created by Casey, Claire, and Chloe, students at Stephenville High School in Stephenville, TX. They chose to honor the legacy of America's Flagship in a project for National History Day.

Casey explained why they decided to focus on the Big U:

"I have been interested in the SS United States for years, and thought that this project was the perfect opportunity to showcase the ship to my classmates and help foster public interest in her cause." Casey continued, "The fact that this ship was such a prominent American symbol for decades that has simply been forgotten by most people broke my heart."

What began as an effort to inform fellow students about this living piece of American history evolved into a labor of love.

"We discussed the construction of the ship, how it was designed to become a secret weapon in the event of [another World War]. We also discussed the famous figures who traveled on the ship." Casey said.

"Overall, we have really enjoyed learning more about the ship, as well as being able to inform our classmates about her journey."

CLICK HERE to help ensure a bright future for America's Flagship, so that future generations may be moved by her journey.
Vera Gibbs on board the SS America .
Photo courtesy of Susan Gibbs.
The SS United States is a testament to the power of dreaming big and never giving up, even when unexpected challenges arise.

As the wife of the ship's designer, William Francis Gibbs, Vera Cravath Gibbs understood those challenges very well. Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy's executive director and Vera's granddaughter, shared Vera's diary entries from the Big U's maiden voyage.

Those entries eloquently captured the mood of those on board as the SS United States set the transatlantic speed record:

"There was dancing, singing, and finally a snake dance up and down the deck. Everyone danced with everyone else. One man was offering any woman he saw a swig from his bottle."

Vera's diaries also reveal a determined creator, unwavering in his commitment to the SS United States . At the conclusion of the Big U's maiden voyage, she wrote:

"When I look back on the weeks, months, and years that [William Francis Gibbs] spent on the SS United States , I wonder how his enthusiasm remained undiminished."
As we work to preserve America's Flagship for future generations, the memories of former passengers and crew illuminate the ship's historical importance — not just the vessel's technical wizardry, but the idea that even the most monumental tasks can be accomplished with enough perseverance.

If you or someone you know has memories of the SS United States ' maiden voyage or other dramatic transatlantic crossings, please let us know .
"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
Photograph courtesy of Kevin McElvaney.
Speaking of passenger memories, our last update included a call for stories of love and romance from aboard the Big U, with the promise that one lucky winner would receive something special.

Today, we're happy to announce that winner. Congratulations to Maud Tarrant of Larchmont, NY, whose incredible story has won her a tour of the SS United States !

We hope you're as delighted as we were to read Maud's submission: a series of excepts from her diary, recalling memories of a shipboard romance with a man named Mark in 1961. Though their time together was short, Maud’s words are proof that even fleeting encounters can leave a lifelong glow.

September 1, 1961 - "At 7 PM I joined my cabinmates for cocktails in the lounge, then to dinner, then back to the lounge. A game of Bingo was in process…

Later that evening I man I had not yet seen approached me and said, “voulez vous danser avec moi?” I said, “mais certainment!” I was in a trance. Here stood the most handsome and attractive man. He was a marvelous dancer. We did tango plus every other dance we could think of.

When the dancing was over it was 4:00 AM and we went up on the deck. The moon was very bright and the stars were shining. It was very calm and beautiful. We talked about places we had been and what lay ahead for each of us…"

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this captivating love story.
The SS United States during her sea trials in 1952. Photo courtesy of Charles Anderson.
As alluded to earlier in this email, the SS United States wasn't conceived only as a luxury liner. In fact, she was designed to the high standards of the U.S. Navy, with the provision that she could, in the event of war, instantly become a military vessel — able to transport 15,000 troops for 10,000 miles without needing to refuel.

Though the military capabilities of America's Flagship certainly weren't public knowledge, they were an important factor in why she was built. The U.S. government paid for a majority of the vessel's initial construction — with United States Lines footing the rest of the bill — viewing the expense as a potential investment, should the nation plunge into war.

In addition to being large enough to accommodate a full troop division, the SS United States was also plenty fast enough to avoid attack by even the most advanced of enemy ships. It's for this reason that any information about the ship's design was considered top secret, and the details were only declassified in 1977 (eight years after the ship's retirement from active service).
To learn more about the Big U's design secrets, CLICK HERE .
Help Us Save America's Flagship!
Conservancy New York Chapter co-chairs Glen Lappin (far left) and Paul Stipkovich (to his right).
Photo courtesy of the Seamen’s Church Institute.
The global effort to preserve the legacy of the SS United States requires the generosity and dedication of a vast network of supporters and volunteers. The Conservancy's regional chapters provide invaluable support by working closely with us to recruit members, raise funds, and promote local awareness of America's Flagship.

Glen Lappin and Paul Stipkovich, who are the co-chairs of the Conservancy's New York chapter, recently attended the Digital Maritime Heritage Floating Conference in Brooklyn. Organized by the Seamen's Church Institute, the conference was supported by a National Park Service Maritime Heritage Grant. While there, Glen and Paul worked diligently to spread the word about the Big U, with particular attention to the Conservancy's curatorial efforts .

Do you want to get more involved in the effort to create a bright future for America's Flagship? CLICK HERE for more information about joining one of the Conservancy's regional chapters. And, if you have any artifacts or photographs you'd be willing to donate, please drop us a line .
"[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)