Climbing Aboard the Big U with Supporter Wayne Yanda
Throughout September, the Conservancy ran a special campaign to raise funds for the SS United States, with a focus on generating donations of $35 or more from our members. In case you missed it, you can read more about our "Don't Give Up the Ship" campaign HERE. As you may recall, we promised to reward one qualifying donor with a guided tour of America's Flagship. That donor was Wayne Yanda, who, just last weekend, made the journey to South Philadelphia — where he was able cl
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
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
A Moving Reunion with the Big U
On July 14, the Conservancy was delighted to host a special "Blue Riband anniversary" tour of the SS United States for former passengers, crew, and their families. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all our guests and talking about their individual relationships with the ship. Today, we're delighted to share the story of one of those former passengers, Liz Waters. As the winner of our recent Blue Riband Month social media contest, Liz was invited (along with her mother,
Memories of Captain Tucker, Relieving Master of the SS United States
Captain John S. Tucker played a pivotal role in the history of America's Flagship. Beginning with her sea trials and concluding with her final voyage, he proudly served aboard the SS United States — ultimately becoming her relieving master. In addition to his service to the ship, the late Captain Tucker was a strong supporter of the SS United States Conservancy. He was also quite a storyteller. In fact, we were fortunate enough to be both inspired and entertained by memories
Captain Tucker Honored in Extraordinary Donation to the Conservancy's Collection
The Conservancy is deeply honored to announce an extraordinary donation to its permanent collection. The family of Captain John Tucker, relieving master of the SS United States, has entrusted us with his captain's uniform. Captain Tucker passed away last year, after a 37-year career with United States Lines. He proudly served on the Big U from her sea trials and triumphal maiden voyage until the ship's withdrawal from service in 1969. Captain John S. Tucker aboard the SS Unit
A Night at the Wax Museum with William Francis Gibbs
Nearly 67 years after her maiden voyage, the SS United States continues to make an impact on people of all ages — including young supporters like Ryan Miller, who chose to portray the Big U's dedicated designer, William Francis Gibbs, for a recent school project. The project in question included a living "wax museum," where students would begin to imitate their subjects once visitors placed a quarter into the display. Ryan Miller as William Francis Gibbs on "museum night." Ph
Passenger Memories: A Cure for Seasickness
The Conservancy is always delighted to hear from former passengers and crew of the SS United States. In recent months, we've been regaled with memories from one of her earliest voyages, had our hearts stolen by a soaring, shipboard love story, and even checked in with one of the very few people born on America's Flagship. We recently heard from John Rodes, who traveled aboard the Big U at age 11. Like many people not used to traveling at sea, John found himself struggling wit
Passenger Memories: Tom Mueller's Collection
From the day she set sail on her maiden voyage in July 1952, the SS United States has made an unforgettable impression on passengers, crew, and maritime enthusiasts of all ages. The Conservancy is always delighted to hear from former passengers, who often share with us not only their memories from aboard the Big U, but also a wide variety of photographs and keepsakes from their personal collections. One of these passengers is Tom Mueller who, just a few months after the vesse
Passenger Memories: Born on America's Flagship
Every passenger who traveled aboard the SS United States left with a story they could tell for the rest of their lives. However, none of these stories is quite like the one told by John Dost, one of the only children ever born on America's Flagship. John's parents, Lucia and Harald Dost, were traveling to visit John's grandmother in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They departed from Bremerhaven, Germany on December 1, 1959 — a full month before Lucia's due date. The Big U made her reg
