ORIGINAL SS UNITED STATES COLLECTIBLES AT AUCTION

Conservancy co-founder Mark Perry is donating some very special artifacts to the Conservancy as well as offering original SS United States items at auction to our supporters and the general public. These include authentic stateroom furnishings, brushed aluminum railings and signage, advertising posters, rare models, and more. Also included are items from RMS Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Dominion Monarch, and other storied vessels.

Earlier this year, Mark worked closely with us to identify special items from his collection to donate to the Conservancy. These included the personal scrapbook and possessions of Commodore Harry Manning, who captained the SS United States on her triumphal maiden voyage. Mark also contributed original deck chairs and the captain's coffee table to display in our future museum and visitor experience, where we will reunite the thousands of remarkable items once aboard the SS United States for the first time in over 50 years.

Mark is generously donating a portion of the proceeds of his lot of SS United States materials to the Conservancy.

Mark's contributions to the Conservancy are long-standing, bringing national attention to the Big U with his work on the documentary film "SS United States: Lady in Waiting” (2008). He is also currently at work on "Superliner: The Enduring Legacy of the SS United States," our forthcoming feature-length documentary about the Big U's legacy and recent history. Watch the trailer for "Superliner" here.

Now ready to downsize, Mark is partnering with Hughes Auctions to set low opening bids for all lots in hopes that everything will find good homes. He shared, “I’ve come to think of the collection as a 30-year art installation. But now I’m relieved to know the pieces will undoubtedly go to other ship geeks."

To view the items at auction or make a bid, please click here. The sale will start on Sunday, August 16, at 10 a.m. PDT.

Beyond receiving a portion of the proceeds from the sale, the Conservancy is not involved in this auction. Please contact info@hughesauctions.com with any questions.

"NOTHING WILL EVER BEAT THE SS UNITED STATES"

We have been thrilled to read the many messages from our supporters from around the world who answered our call for postcards addressed directly to the SS United States.

Former crew member Peter shared a moving message to the Big U: “I was a relief crew man for two exciting Christmas cruises (‘67, ‘68). You were our Mid-20th Century Clipper ship - fast and beautiful! Bon Voyage to your new life ‘beneath the waves in a sea of green.’"

Constance from Florida shared a sweet note to the Big U on one of the Conservancy’s historic reproduction postcards, writing: “Dear SS United States,...My family sailed on several ocean liners during those years as we were living in Europe and would come home on leave on the SS United States…Nothing will ever beat the SS United States. I look forward to visiting the museum when it opens!”

Thank you to those who have shared their messages to the Big U so far! We would love to hear from others about your connection to the ship, how she inspired you, or a "bon voyage" message for her upcoming transformation.

All of these notes marking this moment will join the Conservancy's curatorial collection. For details about how to share your own farewell, or to read additional letters that we have received, click here.

AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP ARTWORK

Conservancy supporter George shared these wonderful digital drawings of the SS United States. George lives in Greece and created these images using Ibis Paint.

Thank you, George, for sharing these incredible images all the way from Greece!

The Conservancy is always inspired by the artwork celebrating the SS United States shared by artists from around the world. In the past several years, we've been grateful to partner with artists including author-illustrator David Macaulay and Philadelphia-based artist Brooke Lanier on special projects to commemorate the Big U.

We hope to continue to amplify the work of artists who feature the SS United States in their work -- please stay tuned for forthcoming details!

SUPPORT THE CONSERVANCY

Consider supporting the Conservancy by purchasing our SS United States t-shirt! Featuring America's Flagship and the year of her maiden voyage printed on a navy t-shirt, you can show your love of America's greatest ocean liner. Click here to shop.

All proceeds benefit the Conservancy.

You may also consider making a donation to support our work planning our museum and visitor experience, preserving and expanding our collections, and developing educational programs and digital exhibits. Click here to pledge your support. All donations are tax-deductible.