ILLUMINATING OPULENT CROSSINGS PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER HISTORIANS, CURATORS AND FLAGSHIP ENTHUSIASTS
Panel Discussion Highlights Deep Connections Between America's Flagship, Fashion, and Advertising in the Post-War Travel Boom; Recording Now Available for Viewing
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SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs set the stage for our recent Opulent Crossings panel discussion when she said, "The SS United States helps us explore and connect so many facets of American history, culture and identity, as well as mid-century modern art and design."
Assembled by the Conservancy's curatorial team, the program featured insightful talks by curator Daniel Finamore and historians Raissa Bretaña and Richard K. Popp. Focusing on the connections between post-war tourism, travel, advertising, and design, panelists explored everything from the evolution of fashion during the '50s to the '60s - and how those changes reflected broader societal changes - as well as the progression of ocean liner design and advertisements within the post-World War II social and historical context. As Finamore noted, "The 1950s is the SS United States and the country's moment for ocean liner prominence."
Along with insight from their respective areas of expertise, panelists also discussed how ocean liner marketing and tourism evolved and played into broader geopolitical themes of the time period, and how marketing tactics varied between Americans and European audiences and across economic backgrounds.
Opulent Crossings was such a success that we've decided to extend our digital exhibition until Sunday, August 22. This will give even more people the chance to view the stunning prints, advertisements and other items featured in Advertising the United States. To view the exhibition, click HERE.
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SAVE THE DATE: HAMPTON ROADS CHAPTER PREPARING A FALL FUNDRASIER AT THE MARINER'S MUSUEM
Event Will Include Keynote Speakers, Breakout Sessions, and Gala Dinner
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The Conservancy's Hampton Roads Chapter is excited to announce that they are planning an informative and entertaining two-day event that will include several prominent guests and activities at The Mariner's Museum in Newport News, VA. A GoFundMe has been established to help cover the up-front costs and any amount is appreciated.
The weekend's events begin on Friday, October 22, with a wreath laying at Commodore and Elizabeth Alexanderson's graves, a ringing of the SS United States' bell at Christopher Newport University (CNU), and an informal cocktail reception at Bull Island Brewing Company on the downtown Hampton waterfront. More information will be announced as we get closer to the event and tickets will be going on sale soon!
Saturday's events will include presentations by the ship's original design company, Gibbs & Cox, and remarks by Rear Admiral Mark Howard Buzby (retired), SUNY Maritime College Captain Jim McNamara, maritime historians and authors Bill Fox and Lawrence Driscoll, and much more. The Mariner's Museum will also put on display several unique SS United States items from their collection that haven't been seen by the public in decades. Activities for both children and adults will also be available. Saturday evening will include a gala dinner with a silent auction.
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MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY |
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Visit our digital exhibition store today to purchase unique t-shirts, mugs, posters and more.
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Did you travel or work on board the SS United States? Former passengers, including David Cohen, and former crew members, like Joe Rota, have shared some of their amazing stories with us. Now we're looking to tell yours!
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THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...
"I love what the Conservancy is doing to save the great SS United States. I’m hopeful that new life can be breathed into this extremely important piece of American History, so that this all time great ocean liner can once again inspire a new generation of Americans with the can-do spirt this incredible ship encapsulates!"
- Griffin Grabow, a visitor to our digital exhibition
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