Conservancy Update March 13, 2007
Conservancy Update January 21, 2007
Conservancy Update November 12, 2006
Conservancy Update September 11, 2006
Conservancy Update June 26, 2006
SS United States in Newsday June 18, 2006
Conservancy Update May 15, 2006
Latest Conservancy Press Release
March 8, 2006
November 1, 2005
July 10, 2005
May 3, 2005
March 16, 2005
On Friday, June 17, 2005, the SS United States Conservancy hosted the dedication of the new SS America library aboard NCL's grand new Pride of America. To read about this and other events, and to see pictures, please read out latest update.
"Remembering a Hometown Legend: SS United States." Sponsored by the Southstreet Seaport Museum, The Ocean Liner Council, and the SS United States Conservancy. To read about this event, please click here.
On Sunday, April 24, a new four-by-eight foot sign was unveiled at the site of the SS United States' Philadelphia pier. The weatherproof sign mounted on aluminum backing depicts our nation's flagship in all her glory. About 50 people gathered for the unveiling ceremony and watched Conservancy board members Dan McSweeney and Jeff Henry uncover the sign and thank everyone who currently cares for the ship at Pier 82 as well as Norwegian Cruise Line for their support. The event was covered by two local television news channels, WPHL-17 and WPVI-6 .
Following the unveiling, the Conservancy sponsored a reception at the Moshulu Restaurant, a historic sailing barque that has been meticulously restored. The group first watched a video presentation entitled Legend of the SS United States produced by Mark Perry and then viewed the much anticipated video footage of the underwater inspection of the ship's hull. The underwater footage was taken by a special mini-sub with lights, camera and grappling arms and it showed a lot of sea grass and a few catfish but most importantly depicted a hull that seemed remarkably intact. Of particular interest to NCL was the point at which vertical plates meet the keel plates and the footage was positive enough to warrant a drydocking. That's very good news! If this seam had been shown to be deficient after many years, NCL would not proceed to a drydocking because the hull structure would have shown itself to be unfavorable for further work. A drydocking is planned, but a definite date has not yet been set.
Nick Manzi, whose company is subcontracted by NCL for the care and security of the Big U, spoke at length about what he and his firm have been doing to maintain and look after the Big U. Mr. Manzi indicated that when NCL bought the SS United States, he and his team had a lot of work to do to get her properly berthed. Mr. Manzi explained that just to dock the ship in Philadelphia costs $1,000 per day. And that's just docking fees--that amount doesn't include insurance, maintenance and a myriad of other costs that go into ensuring that the ship is properly cared for. Mr. Manzi indicated that NCL is paying some $500,000 per year at present as stewards of the historic vessel. Mr. Manzi's crew have strung electrical lighting throughout the major corridors of the ship where access is needed to certain areas for pumping. A roll-up alarmed security door has been installed inside the major access gangway and a network of high definition security cameras are aimed at the ship at all times. These are mostly in place to monitor the ship's lines, but all cameras are remotely controlled and can pan & zoom along the ship and the pier. Mr. Manzi showed live images from the cameras through his computer and the group was able to view the ship from multiple angles from all over the pier.
During the reception, Susan Gibbs and Richard Rabbett updated the group on the SS United States Conservancy's current activities and future plans. We also showed special video footage taken during the ship's sea trials in June of 1952. We thank Gary and Margaret Bohlken for sharing this fabulous film with the Conservancy. Margaret's grandfather was Col. William T. Watkins, Sr. (Ret.) and he was fortunate enough to be on board for this special trip. Other updates included Tim Phillips and Rachell Shapiro from Rock Creek Productions describing their forthcoming documentary film on the SS United States. Steve Loveless from the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Steamship Historical Society pledged his group's support for the SS United States. All in all, we had a terrific group in attendance, including Frauke Casey, daughter of a longstanding SS United States crewmember, along with David Rodstein who shared some of his renderings of a possible refit, Greg Merritt who brought a fabulous album of Big U photographs, longstanding Philadelphia supporter Carmen Balsama, Michael and Lara Giallombardo who traveled from Rochester, and many more friends and fans. To see more pictures from this event, generously provided by Dr. Erik Lam, please click here.
In conjunction with the production of our upcoming documentary, the Conservancy is creating an archive of audio visual materials related to the SS United States. To learn how you can become a part of this exciting project, please visit our stories page.
The SS United States Conservancy will partner with the family of the late Mike Alexander to ensure that his irreplaceable website remains online. To read more about this, please click here. Our tribute to Mike remains online, and may be viewed here.
June 4, 2005 - Special SS United States event and reception in partnership with the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler (New York). The invitation is available as a .pdf file by clicking here. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download).
June 18, 2005 - The SS United States Conservancy will host a table at the upcoming Ocean Liner Bazaar in New York. We'll be offering some of our exclusive tee shirts, mugs, mouse pads and more, as well as answering questions about the Conservancy's efforts on behalf of the SS United States. Hope to see you there!
The Ocean Liner Bazaar - Sponsored by the Port of New York Branch of the World Ship Society Saturday, June 18, 2005 - 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden (Auditorium) 417 East 61st Street, New York City (Between First and York Avenues)
For more information about these events, please email:
info@ssunitedstatesconservancy.org
SSUSC & SSHSA Hampton Roads Chapter SS United States Event Draws Large Crowd
The SS United States Conservancy joined forced with the Steamship Historical Society of America's Hampton Roads Chapter and convened a well-attended event entitled, "The SS UNITED STATES: Past, Present and Future" in Hampton, Virginia on January 30, 2005. To read details and see photos from this event, please click here.
The informational sign about the SS United States has been created and is awaiting installation at Pier 82 where the ship is currently moored. The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority and Horizon Stevedoring approved the placement of the sign in October of 2004. Norwegian Cruise Line and The SS United States Conservancy partnered to create this 4' X 8' billboard which contains information about the ship's glorious
past and her exciting future. The recent opening of an Ikea and other retail magnets directly across the street will generate much needed exposure to the ship and her national significance. The Conservancy would like to thank board members Jeff Henry and Greg Norris along with NCL, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Horizon Stevedoring and Joe Menta for making this happen. Check back for details regarding date of installation and unveiling ceremony.
In conjunction with the official launch of the SS United States Conservancy, we hosted a special dinner and awards event for former SS United States crew members and supporters at the Windmill Point Restaurant in Nags Head, North Carolina on October 2, 2004. Owned by Dr. Sarah E. Forbes, the restaurant boasts one of the largest collections of SS United States memorabilia and furnishings in the world. To read the Conservancy's official report and see photographs from this event, please click here. Mike Alexander also created a lovely site dedicated to this event. Read all about it and see the excellent photos by clicking here.
