"ADVERTISING THE UNITED STATES"
A DIGITAL EXHIBITION EXPLORING AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP DURING "THE MAD MEN ERA"

Exhibition Will Feature Items from the Conservancy's Curatorial Collection, Special Members-Only Events
As the Conservancy continues its 10th Anniversary celebration, the curatorial team is preparing for a first-of-its-kind digital exhibition examining the extensive connections between the SS United States and the world of advertising. "Advertising the United States" will launch in April 2021 and include an array of prints, posters and advertisements from Conservancy's curatorial collection. The exhibition will highlight the intricate, exciting and oftentimes beautiful visualizations of the SS United States in advertising, and how these advertisements affected our understanding, experience and memory of America's Flagship as well as her namesake nation.

In its heyday, brands big and small all wanted to be connected to the Big U, because it symbolized America's grace, power and success. Alcoa, Goodyear, Kodak, IBM and many other iconic brands all clamored to be aligned with the Blue Riband holder. But the connection between notable ads and the ship wasn't limited to those who were looking to ride her coattails. The ship's own advertisements had a brand all their own. In keeping with the mid-century modern design passengers experienced on the high seas, advertisements for the United States played up that same feeling elegance and class.

Set to launch on April 19, 2021, the digital exhibition will include several special members-only events for those who have donated to the Conservancy and are active members. Do you have travel posters or advertisements featuring the SS United States in your personal collections that you're willing to share with us? We'd love to see them! Please email Sydney Sheehan, our curatorial associate at ssheehan@ssusc.org.

More details about the digital exhibition, including event announcements and unique "Advertising the United States" merchandise, will be announced next month.

CONSERVANCY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Remembering The Legendary Duke Ellington
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the Conservancy remembers one of the most talented passengers who ever traveled aboard America's Flagship.

Born in Washington, D.C and based for much of his life in New York City, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington is one of the most noted figures in the history of jazz music. Ellington enjoyed a wonderfully long career, with a major revival in the mid-50's. Ellington composed over a thousand original songs. In 1999, 25 years after his death, Ellington was awarded the Pulitzer Prize Special Award in the Arts in recognition of his musical genius.

Here we see Duke Ellington and Ethel Merman performing on board the SS United States, Ellington playing on the iconic fire-resistant Steinway & Sons baby grand piano. During last year's Gala 68 Variety Show, Ellington's granddaughter, Mercedes Ellington, shared her support for saving America's Flagship.

MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
Now you can start every day with the SS United States. The Conservancy recently announced a new offering via its online store! Ironclad Coffee Roasters, of Richmond, Virginia, has created a special blend of high quality Brazilian coffee dubbed "Blue Riband Blend."

America's Flagship and the work done by the Conservancy is a cause near and dear to the heart of Ironclad's founder Ryan O’Rourke, whose paternal grandfather, Philip L. Roark, worked as a welder on the SS United States in the early 1950s after returning home from the European theatre during World War II. 

"As the great ship pushed across the Atlantic, we ran and played tag on the promenade deck. We would put on our bathing suits and would find our way down to C deck for a swim in the glimmering indoor pool. Then to the theatre to watch a movie."

For a young Douglas Shepardson and his family, returning to the United States aboard the nation's namesake ocean liner was something very special. The Conservancy's blog recently featured a special excerpt from Shepardson's self-published memoir, Life In My Time: And Other Writings.

THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

“Congratulations Conservancy. Congratulations America. Hats off to 'Mr. Philadelphia,' Commodore Gerry Lenfest...you saved the United States... When hope was gone and the dark clouds of defeatism floated over our lady, this small band of believers and patriots stood tall."