Looking for an easy gift idea that's certain to please? For just $25 plus shipping, you can own one — or more — of these beautiful, hand-painted ornaments depicting the SS United States at sea! Photograph courtesy of ornament artist Mike Riehl. By purchasing one of these collectible ornaments, hand-painted by Mike Riehl, a.k.a. The Ornament Guy, you will be helping to support the Conservancy's crucial mission to save America's Flagship. These beautiful items are hand-painted,

As longtime readers of this blog know, we love sharing stories of exciting events from aboard America's Flagship, from seaborne master paintings and whirlwind shipboard love stories to even unexpected births. However, not every news story that originated on the SS United States was quite so life-affirming. One very rare exception was the fall 1960 theft of more than $42,000 from the ship's purser's office. This unfortunate event took place during Voyage 188, on the eastbound

This fall, the Conservancy has been proud to spend time among the distinguished faculty, staff, and students of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Last month, we reported on the unveiling of a grand painting of the SS United States in the Academy's Ackerman Auditorium. That event was made possible by the generous efforts of the Merchant Marine Academy's "Great Class of 1979," including the Vice President of the Conservancy's Board of Directors, Frank DeGiulio. Last week, midsh

Since 1996, the SS United States has remained safely afloat at her berth in South Philadelphia, where she is looked after by her dedicated caretakers. As of last month, another historic vessel has taken up temporary residence in the Big U's neighborhood. The NS Savannah is our nation's first (and only) nuclear-powered merchant ship, named for the SS Savannah — the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean is now in Philadelphia for repairs. The NS Savannah was constructed i