Larry Driscoll has a lifelong fascination with our nation's great ships, dating back to childhood voyages on the SS United States and her sister ship, the SS America. A proud member of the Conservancy's Advisory Council, Driscoll is widely regarded as an expert on the subject of maritime history — particularly when it comes to the "super liners" of the 20th century. His 2013 book, The Last Great Race: The SS United States and the Blue Riband, delves into the heated rivalry be

Commodore John Anderson and his loyal dog, Chota Peg. Photo courtesy of Charles Anderson When she set out on her record-breaking maiden voyage in 1952, the SS United States captured the imagination of the country that was her namesake — forever securing her place as a source of patriotic achievement and pride. While she continues to be a soaring symbol of national pride for Americans, the Big U has long held a special place in the hearts of citizens across the globe. A letter

Salty-tongued, superstitious, and with no formal training in marine engineering or naval architecture, William Francis Gibbs quit his job in real estate law in 1916 to devote himself to designing the world’s fastest ship. Gibbs would go on to direct plans for more than 60 percent of the nation's wartime fleet during World War II and design over 6,000 ships — including the record-breaking SS United States. Gibbs' wife, Vera Cravath Gibbs, recorded her impressions of the SS Uni

The story of the SS United States is also the story of a brilliant marine engineer and naval architect who brought her into being. To say that William Francis Gibbs had a long-running love affair with a ship would be, quite frankly, an understatement. Salty-tongued, superstitious, and with no formal training in the field, he quit his job in real-estate law in 1916 to devote himself to designing the world’s fastest ship. On August 25th, SS United States Conservancy Executive D

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum in Greenport, Long Island recently celebrated the William Francis Gibbs-designed vessel's 80th birthday with a variety of festivities — including a rechristening of the ship by Gibbs' granddaughter, SS United States Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs. The three-day birthday celebration from August 24th to 26th included water displays by Fire Fighter in Greenport harbor, a fire truck muster by the Eastern Long Island Antique Fire Appara

The Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum in Greenport, Long Island, is celebrating the William Francis Gibbs-designed vessel's 80th birthday this month with a variety of festivities — including a rechristening of the ship by Gibbs' granddaughter, SS United States Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs. Don't miss the exciting weekend-long celebration, August 24th - 26th. Learn more: Event flyer shared by the Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum. As reported by The Independent: "Fire Figh

On the 66th anniversary of the record-breaking maiden voyage of the SS United States — the world's fastest ocean liner — check out a radio interview recorded in 1952 with the vessel's captain, Commodore Harry Manning, and ship designer William Francis Gibbs. This interview has been made available by the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection, and was recorded on July 15, 1952 at a reception following the ship’s triumphant return to New York. Listen below: The SS United States

The SS United States remains an icon of American design and engineering, inspiring the next generation of young scientists and innovators. The month, the legacy of the Big U's groundbreaking designer, William Francis Gibbs, was honored with the naming of a high school STEM competition: the "William Francis Gibbs Interscholastic Engineering and Design Competition," held at Tenafly High School, NJ, on May 1st. On site at the "William Francis Gibbs Interscholastic Engineering an

On February 6, 1946, naval architect William Francis Gibbs presented "Design 12201" to General John M. Franklin of United States Lines for the very first time. This ambitious plan, for the construction of the vessel that would become the SS United States, would change the course of maritime history — introducing the world to the fastest, safest and most advanced ocean liner ever constructed. On March 13th, 1946, the United States Lines board approved "Design 12201," on the co

Take a private tour of America's Flagship and learn all about one of the Big U's great innovations. Like what you see? Be sure to visit the SS United States Conservancy's Facebook page and give us a 'like' — you can find exciting new content there every week! The WE ARE THE UNITED STATES campaign has raised $300,000 to date — want to help us reach our goal for rescuing rescue and revitalize America's Flagship? Visit our GoFundMe page and make your donation today. Together, we