Excitement at Grand Opening of New Exhibition: "Full Speed Ahead to the Fabulous SS United Stat
On June 14th, "Full Speed Ahead to the Fabulous SS United States!" opened at the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island, presented by the museum in partnership with the New York Chapter of the SS United States Conservancy!
The exciting new exhibition will be on display through August 3rd, and was inaugurated with with a festive evening event and film screening.
An event attendee shares her personal memorabilia at the grand opening of "Full Speed Ahead to the SS United States!" at the National Lighthouse Museum. Courtesy of Kyle Ober.
In the words of the New York Chapter, the exhibition "traces the life of the ship, from young speed queen and popular cover girl to aging star of yesteryear and nearly forgotten 'has-been,' and finally — with your help — to one of the great comeback stories in U.S. history."
The June 14th grand opening event was an enormous success, attracting a crowd that brought together both steadfast supporters from the surrounding region and new faces encountering America's Flagship for the very first time. Moving comments were made at the event by chapter co-chair Glenn Lappin, Conservancy executive director Susan Gibbs, and several supporters of the Big U, each with a touching personal connection to America's Flagship.
The screening of acclaimed New York filmmaker Manny Kirchheimer's SS United States short film, "Colossus on the River," was a rare treat, and attendees also enjoyed sampling Tradition Brewing Company's Big U-inspired "Hull 488" IPA, most frequently available in Virginia's Hampton Roads region.
Speaking on the importance of saving our nation's greatest and sole remaining ocean liner, the Big U, New York Chapter co-chair Paul Stipkovich commented:
"The SS United States would be a huge asset to any port city. Not only as 990 feet of prime real estate, but as floating landmark, a source of great pride. And should she return to New York City — her former home port — it would be the one and only time New York or any city has regained a lost authentic piece of itself....Such a grand icon should not be remembered in just photos and stories but should be alive and fully intact for all to experience!"
Event attendees enjoy Manny Kirchheimer's short film, "Colossus on the River."
Courtesy of Kyle Ober.
The Conservancy would like to extend a hearty congratulations to the New York Chapter for producing a truly "fabulous" exhibition, and coordinating this fantastic opening event, with special thanks to chapter co-chairs Glenn Lappin and Paul Stipkovich. We would like to also thank National Lighthouse Museum executive director Linda Dianto and museum curator Celestina Cuadrado for their indispensable support, as well as the many event attendees on the 14th for their interest and enthusiasm.
Below, check out a full album of images from the grand opening event, courtesy of photographer Kyle Ober:
National Lighthouse Museum members and visitors attend the grand opening of the museum's newest exhibition, "Full Speed Ahead to the Fabulous SS United States!" Courtesy of Kyle Ober.
The National Lighthouse Museum is open every week from 11am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Learn more on their website, and plan your own visit today!
The Conservancy's New York Chapter is hard at work spreading the word about our nation's greatest and sole remaining ocean liner! In 2017, the chapter co-hosted an extraordinary exhibition at Brooklyn's City Reliquary: "The United States: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." They also marched in November's Veterans Day Parade, honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation.
Interested in getting involved with the New York Chapter? Drop them a line at newyork@ssusc.org. Learn more about the Conservancy's fantastic regional chapters, and find a chapter in your own area HERE.
