COVID SURVIVOR VISITS HIS "SHIP OF HOPE"

Antonio Ellis Boards the SS United States,
Happy To Be Alive and Share His Story with Others
Earlier this summer, we brought you the story of Antonio Ellis, a Manchester Township Police Officer who was one of the first members of law enforcement in New Jersey to be sickened with COVID-19. After enduring a grueling illness, including being placed into a medically-induced coma and spending 45 days in intensive care, Ellis was transferred for out-patient care at Magee Riverfront Rehabilitation in South Philadelphia, not far from the current berth of the SS United States at Pier 82.

Throughout the course of his rehabilitation, Ellis was inspired each day by the sight of America's Flagship. When he spoke with the Conservancy, Ellis said, “Every day I looked forward to the first glimpse of the ship. Each day, when I left on Columbus Boulevard, I would stare at the ship until she was out of sight. She was my symbol of ‘Hope.’"

Earlier this month, Ellis, accompanied by his brother, was able to come aboard America's Flagship for a special tour guided by Conservancy President Susan Gibbs. Ellis was also joined by members of several Philadelphia-area media outlets, who documented his inspiring story to share it with others.

As Ellis told CBS 3 during the tour, "The ship was a beacon of hope. You know, she sits here today, where she’s been for over 20 years, waiting for her new lease on life and throughout time, when other ships have gone to the scrapyards, this ship perseveres."

Additional coverage of Antonio Ellis' tour can also be found courtesy of Fox 29 and Action News 6.

ARTIST ROBERT G. LLOYD CREATES STUNNING VISUALS OF AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP

"Out of the Mist," Other Prints Available Now on SSUSC.org
Renowned maritime artist Robert G. Lloyd has created many masterpieces featuring a wide array of vessels, including the SS United States, the RMS Queen Mary and Cunard's Queen Elizabeth.

Along with his breathtaking works, "At The Midnight Hour," "Winter North Atlantic," and "Early Morning Arrival," Robert recently unveiled his latest work, "Out of the Mist" (pictured right). This beautiful new piece depicts the SS United States as she is departing New York on a misty winter day.
Robert also recently shared with the Conservancy a commissioned work he created, titled "Maiden Voyage Triumph" (pictured left). This work is an original painting depicting the SS United States upon her triumphant New York arrival after completing her maiden Westbound Atlantic crossing in July 1952. While prints of this image are not available for sale, Frank Trumbour, who commissioned the work, kindly allowed Robert to share it with us.
Signed and numbered limited-edition prints of Robert Lloyd's works, including "Out of the Mist," are available for purchase in two sizes: 24 x 20 inches (image area 20 x 14 inches) and a larger size of 20 × 30 inches (image area 27 x 17 inches). Both print sizes are produced on high quality, heavyweight, acid-free paper. A donation of $25 from each print sold will directly support the Conservancy’s efforts to save the SS United States.
MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
Susan Gibbs recently sat down with Tony Gaiani, the host of the ocean liner-centric YouTube series Ship-Faced, for a three-part interview about the SS United States. 

Susan and Tony discussed William Francis Gibbs' relentless pursuit of the Blue Riband, the design innovations that made the SS United States so unique, and the Conservancy's work to save the iconic symbol of American ingenuity. 


Thank you to everyone who supported our limited-edition t-shirt sales. Our "Maiden Voyage 70th Anniversary" and "Platinum Jubilee" shirts proved extremely popular with our supporters.

Combined, we sold over 300 t-shirts, which helped raise almost $4,800 to support the Conservancy's work to keep America's Flagship afloat as we await her potential redevelopment.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE THIS FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS.
THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"The United States has always thought of itself as a great nation. One of the reasons that is so is the magnificence of things like the Big U... We need to keep her and restore her to her greatness." - John Carroll, Maiden Voyage T-Shirt Purchaser