A Chance for an Exclusive Tour of the SS United States with Author David Macaulay
The Conservancy is excited to announce an exclusive opportunity for our supporters. From Conservancy members who join or renew between now and May 19, 2019, FIVE LUCKY SUPPORTERS will be chosen to take part in a special tour of America's Flagship, guided by world-renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay.
Macaulay’s new book, Crossing On Time, tells the story of history’s steamships, especially the greatest of them all — the SS United States. Macaulay immigrated to America as a boy on board America's Flagship. The ship and his personal story are a focus of this exciting new book.
The Conservancy's Executive Director Susan Gibbs and author-illustrator David Macaulay pose beside America's Flagship. Photograph courtesy of Kyle Ober.
This unique opportunity to tour the SS United States with Macaulay will take place at her current berth in Philadelphia, on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 9 a.m. This special tour will include rarely-seen, below-deck locations, including the ship’s swimming pool, the operating room, the famous Duck Suite, one of the cavernous shaft tunnels, and even the morgue.*
The tour will be followed by a gathering in the ship’s grand ballroom, where Macaulay will sign copies of Crossing on Time and we will offer the Big U (and Macaulay's "Big Book") a champagne toast.
We are so appreciative of our supporters who have enabled us to keep the SS United States safely afloat. We are delighted to be able to express our gratitude with this special event and we plan to offer additional member appreciation opportunities in the future. This is a great way to support our efforts to create a bright future for the SS United States, while also having a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore this iconic American symbol.
To be considered, join or renew your Conservancy membership with a donation of $75 or more by clicking HERE.
Eligible members must donate to the Conservancy at the $75 level or above between now and midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on May 19, 2019. (Please note: we have extended the deadline by 24 hours.) The tour participants will be drawn at random and notified on May 20, 2019. Each chosen participant will be allowed to bring one guest, age 18 or older. Best of luck!
*Public access to the SS United States is highly restricted. Please be advised that all tour participants must be at least 18 years of age and sign waivers. The tour involves extensive walking, including a climb up a narrow spiral staircase. Also, since having been stripped down to her bare structural essentials, the ship poses numerous tripping hazards. Finally, because the ship is docked at a working pier, the Conservancy must submit identification credentials to pier security in advance for each person who will be accessing the pier and boarding the ship.
AN ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP FANS
In addition to our special tour opportunity for Conservancy members described above, we are also offering a chance for a passionate fan of the SS United States (and David Macaulay!) to meet David in person aboard the Big U on June 8. Simply email us a one-page letter explaining why you love America's Flagship — or why you love David Macaulay's new book about the vessel, Crossing on Time. Illustrations accompanying your letter are welcome! This opportunity is intended for younger fans, age 30 and under.
We will select our favorite, and that person will be invited to join our special ship tour on June 8th. To participate, simply email your note to info@ssusc.org with "Crossing on Time Submission" in the subject line before midnight EST on May 19. Please include your age and contact information. (Please note that you must be 18 years old to board the SS United States. If younger than 18, we will arrange a book signing and photo session with David at the ship's pier.)
