Dear Conservancy supporter:

As we set sail into 2024, the Conservancy wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to everyone who responded to our annual appeal. Supporters from 43 states and 13 countries expressed their unwavering passion for the historic legacy of America’s Flagship by backing our work. We cannot thank you enough.

As we shared in our year-end appeal, despite our significant efforts, including the recently announced plan for the SS United States' potential redevelopment, the SS United States is facing serious and immediate threats. The vessel’s landlord, Penn Warehousing, doubled the ship’s rent during the coronavirus pandemic and has sued the Conservancy, demanding back rent and the removal of the ship from the pier. The Conservancy has been unable to secure an alternative berth, and a trial is scheduled in mid-January. An unfavorable judgment would devastate the Conservancy and likely compel us to relinquish control of the vessel.

The Conservancy’s board is now evaluating various contingencies on a very tight and demanding schedule. If Penn Warehousing wins a judgment against the Conservancy, the SS United States may have to be scrapped. We are working extremely hard to prevent this outcome, including retaining our ability to advance plans for a land-based, permanent exhibition, placing our extraordinary curatorial collections on public display, and continuing to celebrate the ship’s remarkable history.

The loss of the ship would be particularly tragic because the transformative development plans produced by RXR and MCR Hotels revealed the enormous potential for the SS United States as an economic engine, world-class destination, and beacon of climate-resilient renewal for the city willing to give her a home. Thank you for your continued outreach to the governors of New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida and for spreading the word about the unique history and commercial potential of America's Flagship. 

As a valued supporter, you know how complex and daunting our mission has always been and continues to be. Since the SS United States' withdrawal from service back in 1969, our beloved ship has shown remarkable resilience and tenacity. These are qualities that continue to motivate and inspire us. 

Our commitment to the ship's historic legacy and curatorial collections continues undiminished. We will soon be announcing our Flagship "fireside chat" webinar series featuring fascinating first-hand accounts of the SS United States' storied history, and we will continue to create and curate video profiles of the ship's former passengers and crew. We will also soon share an update on the most recent additions to our curatorial collection.

Again, thank you so much for your continued commitment to saving this uniquely inspiring and unifying national symbol. We will continue to update you in the coming days and weeks. We remain deeply grateful for your partnership, and please accept our warmest greetings as we usher in the new year.