SEND A POSTCARD TO THE BIG U

Messages to Become Part of Conservancy Museum Collection

Every time the SS United States prepared to sail, thousands of people gathered to wish their friends, family, and neighbors "bon voyage." There was excitement and joy, but also grief and sadness intertwined with many passengers' journeys. The SS United States enabled so many people to start a new chapter and end an old one -- taking a life-changing trip, studying abroad, or immigrating across the world.

The SS United States will soon enter a new chapter in her history as she is transformed into the "world's largest artificial reef," and the Conservancy honors and celebrates her legacy through our future museum and visitor experience. As we prepare to bid farewell to our beloved ship, we hope you will join us by sending us a postcard addressed directly to SS United States. Did the ship bring your family to the U.S.? Do you miss seeing the ship docked on Philadelphia’s Delaware River? Did the Big U inspire you or change your life? We would love to hear from you!

We invite you to send us a postcard of your choice or browse our online store HERE to purchase a reproduction postcard inspired by our favorite ocean liner. Proceeds from all sales benefit the Conservancy.

Our mailing address is:

SS United States Conservancy

720 ARCH STREET 

BOX 43 

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19105

We will share a selection of your cards and messages on our website and will preserve your messages for future generations as part of our museum’s permanent curatorial collection. Thank you for being a part of the story of the SS United States.

CELEBRATING THE WORK OF ALFRED DURANT

The Conservancy is so grateful to have the work of photographer Alfred Durant in our permanent curatorial collection.

Durant studied history at the College of William and Mary, and he created his own historical record of the Williamsburg, Virginia area and beyond through his striking photographs. The first city-licensed Black photographer in Williamsburg, Durant captured snapshots of the African-American community from the 1930s through the 1960s – from formal family portraits to candid photos at holiday celebrations, jazz clubs, and social and political groups including the Yorktown Chapter of the NAACP.

His artful documentation of the SS United States’ sea trials in 1952 provides a meaningful look into this moment in the ship’s history. Durant’s images from this trial voyage depict the kitchen staff and stewards as well as SS United States’ stunning interiors.

This collection of photographs was donated to the Conservancy in 2016 by the Mariners’ Museum of Newport News, Virginia, and we are proud to be the stewards of Alfred Durant’s enduring work.

A JOURNEY HOME ON THE SS UNITED STATES

Conservancy supporter George recently shared his memories from traveling on the SS United States as a young man. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1958, he set off for New York City to embark on a new adventure. From New York, he traveled on a United States Lines ship, the SS American Planter, to Antwerp, Belgium and spent the summer traveling around Europe with other young people.

After his summer travels, George boarded the SS United States as a tourist-class passenger for his voyage home in October 1958. He recalled the short four-day voyage as a whirlwind of activity – making new friends, watching films in the ship’s movie theater, and enjoying the delicious food served on the ship.

George, third on the right, dining in the Tourist Class dining room

The ship encountered stormy weather during the transatlantic crossing. Because of the rough seas, a crew member visited George’s cabin to bolt the porthole closed as waves were bound to strike the windows of the lower-level tourist class cabins.

George pictured with new friends aboard the SS United States

Now 90 years old, George shared, “It was a wonderful four day experience aboard the SS United States and one not easily forgotten.” 

ALL ABOARD FOR OUR TRIBUTE TO THE SS UNITED STATES

As the SS United States prepares to begin the next chapter of her story, the Conservancy is continuing to celebrate her as an enduring symbol of American history and innovation.

Later this spring, we will broadcast a special video tribute to wish the Big U “bon voyage” during this period of transition. We would love for you to contribute a message to be included in this celebration of the ship’s history and enduring legacy. Please click HERE for more information, and stay tuned for updates on how you can watch!

PIECE TOGETHER THE BIG U

You can piece together this action shot of the SS United States at sea! This puzzle, offered in two sizes with materials sourced from the U.S. is the perfect cold weather activity for ocean liner enthusiasts. Click HERE to purchase. Proceeds from all sales benefit the Conservancy, and we are so grateful for your support.