GVH's Moving Musical Tribute to the Big U
Since her maiden voyage in 1952, the SS United States has been the inspiration for countless works of art, music, and literature. It is always a pleasure to encounter these creative tributes — and a recent recording by singer-songwriter Greg Van Houten (who performs as "GVH") is no exception. Greg Van Houten is a Vermont-based singer-songwriter and graphic artist, who recently lent his design talents to the current Norman Rockwell Museum exhibit, "Finding Home" — an artistic
Opening Night of the "Finding Home" Exhibition
Part of the mission of the SS United States Conservancy is to spread awareness of America's Flagship through participation in cultural and historical events. To that end, we are thrilled to have participated in a current exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum. As we recently reported, Finding Home: Four Artists Journeys celebrates the work of four immigrant artist, including David Macaulay — who, as a boy, traveled to his new home in the United States aboard the Big U. From
We Are Seeking Artifacts for Our Future Shipboard Museum
From the Conservancy's inception, we have focused on acquiring items from and related to the SS United States and United States Lines for future public display and educational outreach. Our ultimate goal is to create a shipboard museum aboard the redeveloped Big U, allowing our extensive archive of artifacts and photographs to be showcased in a permanent public display. In doing this, we will help preserve the legacy of America's Flagship for future generations, so that she m
New Norman Rockwell Museum Exhibit Highlights SS United States
“Finding Home: Four Artists’ Journeys” will Feature Famed Illustrator David Macaulay’s New Book, Crossing on Time, and a Massive Model of the SS United States. STOCKBRIDGE MA—Depicting poignant stories of immigrating to America, a new exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum showcases the journeys and rich family narratives of four renowned artists. For famed author-illustrator David Macaulay, that journey included a transatlantic voyage on board America’s Flagship, the SS Un
The USMMA Climbs Aboard the Big U
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
The Big U is Spotlighted in a New Exhibition
Artist Maria Mijares has a lifelong connection to America's Flagship that dates back to age 2, when she traveled aboard the Big U from New York City to Le Havre, France. In the decades since, she has toured the vessel on several occasions and been a staunch advocate for keeping her afloat. Mijares has channeled her deep, personal connection to the ship into her artwork, immortalizing the SS United States in paintings that have been exhibited and enjoyed by captive audiences i
Painting of America's Flagship Unveiled at Merchant Marine Academy
Last weekend saw an amazing and lasting tribute to America’s Flagship, as the US Merchant Marine Academy “Great Class of 1979” unveiled a massive oil painting depicting the SS United States entering New York Harbor. The painting by Martin Smick measures fifteen feet in height and will hang in Ackerman Auditorium opposite a painting of her sister ship, the SS America. Photo of Martin Smick's painting, prior to its unveiling. Courtesy of Tom Basile. The painting by Martin Smick
Meet SS 1: The Big U Reimagined
Ever since she first set sail in 1952, America's Flagship has captured the imagination of people across the globe. She has inspired countless works of art, from beautiful portraits and stirring songs to stunning, incredibly realistic models. For other creative individuals, she's provided a jumping-off point for inventive and imaginative pieces. Thomas Fritze, an SS United States enthusiast from Munich, Germany, has reimagined the vessel as an aircraft carrier named "SS 1 - Su
The Big Ship on Canvas
Over the last few months, we've shared stories of creative people of all stripes who have been inspired by the SS United States — from authors and composers to model makers. Though their medium of choice may have been different, all of them were absolutely taken with this soaring symbol of American imagination, dedication, and perseverance. Today, we're excited to share with you some of the truly breathtaking paintings that have been shared with (or donated to) the Conservanc
Flashback: Art and the SS United States
"She was withdrawn from service back in 1969," says Conservancy executive director Susan Gibbs. "But what is striking is that she still inspires so much creativity." The above sentiment comes from a 2016 segment of WHYY's weekly TV program, Friday Arts. The segment, which was helmed by Emmy-winning producer Michael O'Reilly, looks at the intersection between art, design, and the SS United States. Apart from Susan Gibbs — whose grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the
