NEW DONATION HONORS CHAMPIONS OF

THE BIG U'S LEGACY

The Conservancy’s curatorial collection continues to expand as we advance our museum development plans. Earlier this year, we were thrilled to receive a donation of one of artist Peter Otsumi's applied enamel-on-copper sand paintings which once adorned the ship's First Class "Navajo Lounge" to add to our collection of original artwork from the ship's iconic mid-century modern interiors.

Another major addition to our collection was recently gifted by Conservancy co-founder and advisory council member Mark Perry, who has granted original and sentimental items from the SS United States to the Conservancy on permanent loan. 

These items include original furnishings — three deck chairs with detachable pillows, three steamer rugs, and the coffee table from the Captain's reception room. They were donated in loving memory of Joe Rota, and Jim and Frieda Green.

A family lounging on the SS United States' deck chairs. Courtesy of United States Lines.

Joe Rota worked aboard the SS United States for years, advancing from an elevator operator to a bellboy among other roles before becoming the ship’s photographer. A founding Conservancy board member, he championed the preservation of the ship’s legacy. In 2021, Joe shared recollections from his career to be preserved in our oral history archive – listen to his vivid stories here.

Commodore Anderson with William Francis Gibbs in the Captain's reception room.

Courtesy of Charles Anderson.

Jim and Frieda Green were featured in the 2008 award-winning documentary, "SS United States: A Lady in Waiting." In one of the film's most moving scenes, Jim and Frieda recall meeting and falling in love aboard the Big U. The Greens were frequent passengers on the SS United States, and generously donated their family photos to be preserved as part of our future museum's collection.

Jim and Frieda Green, pictured with friends in the SS United States' First-Class "Navajo Lounge." Courtesy of Jim Green.

Mark is currently producing our forthcoming documentary film, “Superliner: the Enduring Legacy of the SS United States.” This highly-anticipated feature-length film will premier later this year. If you haven't already, watch the film’s new trailer here!

We are so grateful for these generous additions to our collection, and we will be announcing another exciting acquisition next month. We look forward to displaying all of these special pieces of SS United States' history in our future museum.

INSPIRED BY THE SS UNITED STATES

The SS United States graced the pages of the Summer 1957 edition of Prairie Schooner, a quarterly literary journal. The issue featured a poem by Winthrop Palmer, a professor of literature and fine arts at Long Island University, inspired by our favorite ocean liner.

FAST FRIENDSHIPS ABOARD THE BIG U

Conservancy supporter Mary Anne Chamberlain shared photos from her memorable travels with her family aboard the SS United States. In July of 1964, her family departed from New York en route to Europe. Her father, a pilot in the Air Force, would be stationed in Chateauroux, France for two years.

Photo courtesy of Mary Anne Chamberlain (right)

Mary Anne had just completed fifth grade when her family embarked on this new adventure. During their voyage, she connected with another passenger, a girl from Germany who was around her age. The two did not speak the same language, but nevertheless became fast friends exploring the sunny decks of the SS United States together.

Photo courtesy of Mary Anne Chamberlain (left)

Are you interested in hearing more stories from travels aboard the SS United States? The Conservancy’s podcast, The Observation Lounge, documents incredible experiences from former crew members and passengers. Click here to listen.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP

Consider supporting the Conservancy by purchasing our SS United States baseball hat! Featuring America's Flagship and the year of her maiden voyage embroidered on a navy cap, this high-quality hat can be your go-to outdoor accessory as we head into the warmer months. Click here to shop.

All proceeds benefit the Conservancy – thank you for supporting our work celebrating and commemorating the SS United States!