August 30, 2010 – SS United States Conservancy supporter Carl Wesch is now offering official Conservancy wristbands as a new fundraiser. Please show your support for the cause by visiting his eBay store HERE, or by clicking on the image above. The Conservancy is grateful to Carl for his efforts!
August 20, 2010 – The Atlantic Logistics Agency’s John Reynolds has penned this excellent article for The Beacon, the official newsletter of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay. UPDATE: The article in question is on page 5 of the online publication.
August 19, 2010 – New York Times‘ writer Bill Marsh has published an article today about the plight of the Olympia, the New Jersey, and the SS United States. The piece is entitled “Efforts in Philadelphia to Save Showpiece Ships.”
August 17, 2010 – Travel Weekly, the National Newspaper of the Travel Industry, ran this editorial in support of H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest’s $5.8 Million dollar donation to the SS United States Conservancy.
August 13, 2010 – D. G. Hart has this piece about H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest in today’s online edition of Philanthropy Daily.
August 2, 2010 – Greg Shutters, who recently launched the website Don’tGiveUpTheShirt.org, has introduced an exciting new line of tee shirts and posters. The stunning graphic, reminiscent of those great 1950’s era travel agency posters, is now available. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each item will generously be donated to the SS United States Conservancy. Thank you Greg!
August 2, 2010 – Bill Magee of MageeMedia has graciously provided this nine minute video overview of the recent tour of New York Harbor exploring potential berthing sites for the SS United States.
SS United States Conservancy: New York Harbor Tug Boat Tour from MageeMedia on Vimeo.
July 28, 2010 – Dea Adria Mallin has this very thorough article in today’s Philadelphia Weekly Press.
July 27, 2010 – Peter T. Leach has written about the SS United States on the website of the Journal of Commerce. While the article is part of their subscribers only area, the Journal has graciously given permission the Conservancy to post a pdf of the article. One editorial note on the article: The Lenfest grant will allow the Conservancy to maintain the ship in its current berth for 20 months, while we work to develop a public-private partnership to redevelop the vessel as a stationary attraction. You can read the pdf of the article on the Conservancy’s website by clicking here.
July 26, 2010 – Two dozen supporters of the SS United States Conservancy braved the wilting heat in New York on Saturday to hear from Conservancy Executive Director Dan McSweeney and Real Estate Consultant Michael Kramer about potential development plans for the SS United States in New York aboard the vintage tug Edith Thornton, owned by SSUSC supporters Eddie Carr and Gerry Thornton.
“This was a great way to demonstrate that we are very much leaning forward, with regard to our great opportunity to save this national treasure,” said McSweeney. “Though we’ve recently received a tremendous shot in the arm with Mr. Lenfest’s donation, we haven’t ’saved’ the ship until she’s re-purposed as part of a viable business plan. Now is when the real work begins. We’re up to it and we’re going to make this happen the right way.”
During the three-hour tour of the Hudson and East Rivers and Governors Island, guests — some traveling from as far away as Michigan — were given a comprehensive history of the New York waterfront by Kramer, who has served in key positions and contributed to diverse projects in New York for over 20 years. Kramer also pointed out several locations along Manhattan’s West Side that could see a return of the ship to its original homeport.
Conservancy member Paul Stipkovitch summed up the afternoon: “…bravo on the vintage tug boat tour. It was great to see what the possibilities are for the Big U, should she return to her home port.”
More details on potential development plans in both New York and Philadelphia will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Please stay tuned!
