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.