Meet Chota Peg, Top Dog of the SS United States
Among the thousands of passengers who traveled aboard the SS United States, there was one very special “crew member” who delighted everyone fortunate enough to meet him — a cocker spaniel by the name of Chota Peg. Chota Peg (a Hindi expression meaning “small drink”) was the steadfast and loyal companion of Commodore John Anderson, who proudly served as captain of America’s Flagship from 1953 until 1964. Purchased from a Manhattan pet shop as a 4-month-old puppy, the spirited
Larry Driscoll Appears on The Other Side of Midnight
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
Project Santa Claus: A Letter to Commodore John Anderson
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
Passenger Memories: Vera Cravath Gibbs' Maiden Voyage Diary
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
Help us Save History: Donate Your SS United States Passenger Lists
The SS United States Conservancy prides itself on preserving the unparalleled history of the SS United States through our curatorial programs and growing permanent collections. As we lay the groundwork for a future, permanent museum, the Conservancy continues to actively collect passenger lists and crew rosters, with the goal of ultimately building a searchable database of former SS United States passengers and crew members. Once a basic database is finalized and circulated,
Passenger Memories: Neil Roosevelt Shares His Extraordinary SS United States Collection
The SS United States has always been a true American icon; she made a lasting impression on all who traveled aboard her, and to this day, many of the Big U's most enthusiastic supporters are former passengers and crew members eager to see the ship restored to her original glory. Former passenger Neil Roosevelt has an extra special connection to America's Flagship — his father, James Arthur Roosevelt, served aboard as an engineer during the vessel's prolific service career! Fo
"Atlantic Riband" Brings Together Former Passengers at Space Coast Symphony Orchestra
On May 26th and 27th, Florida's Space Coast Symphony Orchestra ended its ninth season with “Suliman Plays Tchaikovsky,” an epic program featuring works from Fuchs, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich. Composer Kenneth Fuchs' "Atlantic Riband," which originally debuted at a 2012 concert in Newport News, VA, was inspired by the great ocean liners of the Twentieth Century — including the SS United States. After speaking before the performance about the history of the ship, its signifi
WATCH: Here's Hope! Comedian Bob Hope Aboard the SS Untied States
The SS United States was the ship on which to sail in the 1950s and 60s, carrying a very impressive complement of notable passengers on nearly every voyage. British Pathé has shared this archival footage of the ship's "liveliest passenger," American stand-up comedian, vaudevillian and actor, Bob Hope, arriving in Southampton in 1952. "Here's Hope!" Video shared by British Pathé. Upon his arrival, Hope said to the press: "I just want to tell you that It's been a wonderful trip
Now Available: Custom SS United States Arrival Maps
The Conservancy is excited to share an exciting new commemorative item available in support of our mission to save and revitalize America's historic flagship, the SS United States! The SS United States is not only a national symbol of American pride and history; she was the gateway to the American dream for thousands of passengers. We're partnering with Jimaworks to offer exciting custom immigration maps, with 15% of the proceeds from sales donated to the Conservancy in direc
Passenger Memories: Peter Dreher Reflects upon His Return to the Big U After 63 Years
Former passenger Peter Dreher recently joined the SS United States Conservancy on a special limited-access curatorial tour of America's Flagship, joined by fellow passengers and crew members assisting with our ongoing Legacy and oral history projects. Peter was moved by the experience, and has generously shared his thoughts below: Former passenger Peter Dreher returns to the SS United States. Courtesy of Peter Dreher. Earlier this month, I had the rare opportunity to take a t
