HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CONSERVANCY
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER & FORMER CREW MEMBER JOE ROTA

Champion of the SS United States,
Rota was Recognized in 2018 with the Organization's Blue Riband Award
A former crew member and Founding Board Member of the SS United States Conservancy, few have ever been as devoted to America's Flagship as Joe Rota, who passed away on September 5th at the age of 89.

America's Flagship has lost a champion, but Joe's passion for the Big U and his steadfast conviction that she would be saved will continue to guide us as we chart the course for the ship's future.

During his career aboard the SS United States, Joe did and saw it all - and he was always happy to share his many wonderful stories. Between 1954 and 1959, and then again in 1964 and 1965, Joe held numerous roles aboard America’s Flagship, including First Class Elevator Operator, Bellboy, Waiter, and finally as the ship’s Photographer.
His guidance, perspective, and dedication to the Conservancy have helped us keep this irreplaceable symbol of America safe for more than a decade.

Over the years, Joe Rota shared many of his favorite stories with the Conservancy - from his encounters with celebrities to his adventures while in port, many of which were captured during the crew reunion held in 2016, the 2018 Legacy Cruise, and more recently, in an episode of "The Observation Lounge." Joe was also featured throughout the 2008 documentary, "SS United States: Lady in Waiting."

On behalf of the Conservancy's Board of Directors and our supporters from across the nation and around the world, we wish fair winds and following seas to the great Joe Rota, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
VIRTUAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS HISTORY OF AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP

Presentation Explores the Connections Between
the SS United States and the City of Philadelphia
Conservancy President Susan Gibbs recently joined patrons of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, fans of America's Flagship, former passengers, and more for a special virtual event entitled "The SS United States: The Hidden History of America's Enduring Flagship."

During the hour-long discussion, Susan reflected on the connections between her grandfather, famed naval architect William Francis Gibbs, and the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love, where the "Lady in Waiting" patiently awaits her rebirth.

Born in Philadelphia 1886, William Francis Gibbs fell in love with ocean liners after seeing the launch of the SS St. Louis from the Cramp Shipyard on the banks of the Delaware River in Philadelphia. It was the match that struck a tinderbox of passion for Gibbs, whose firm would go on to design more than 60 percent of all ships built during World War II, and then the legendary SS United States, first conceived in 1914.
MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
The Newark Museum of Art in Newark, New Jersey, will be hosting screenings of “Hildreth Meière Designs for Washington, D.C.” and “Hildreth Meière Restoring an Art Deco Mural,” along with a panel discussion on October 1, 2022 at 2:00pm ET, in partnership with the International Hildreth Meière Association.

Meière was one of the trailblazing women who shaped the art and design of the SS United States. Pulling from themes of Americana and, of course, the sea, Meière ensured that the commissioned works of art on America’s Flagship powerfully conveyed depictions of the American Dream.

You can learn more about Meière's work and life by visiting the Conservancy's current digital exhibition, “Transatlantic Trailblazers: The Women Behind the Art, Design, and Engineering of the SS United States.”

Looking for a special treat? Order your own batch of SS United States cookies today.

These delicious cookies are hand crafted by renowned Williamsburg, VA chocolatier Mary Griffiths. Each freshly baked chocolate chip cookie features one of three edible images of the SS United States or a logo celebrating United States Lines.

These fun treats can be bought either by the dozen or in a three-dozen package featuring each of the designs, making them a perfect way to show your support and spread word of the SS United States at your next party! Additionally, an order of three dozen will include a copy of the children’s book, "Grandfather’s Ship: The SS United States," by E.B. Fletcher. The Conservancy also receives a generous contribution with every purchase!

THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"This sub came up and surfaced, flashed her light, and then went back down again. She might have been up for a minute. I said ‘Wow! What was that all about?' The radio operator called me in and said, ‘You didn’t see anything.'" - Joe Rota, Former SS United States Crew member