ADVERTISING THE UNITED STATES RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS
Digital Exhibition Being Enjoyed by Former Passengers,
Big U Supporters, and More
Last week the Conservancy launched a new digital exhibition, Advertising the United States: Exploring America's Flagship Through Prints, Posters and Advertisements, which offers visitors a look at the intricate, exciting, and inspiring visualizations of the SS United States in advertising and the iconic ship's deep influences on the "Ad Age." Already fans of America's Flagship are sharing their enthusiasm and appreciation for this new look at the history of the fastest ocean liner to ever cross the Atlantic.

One exhibition visitor said, "It's very interesting to see the transition of advertising from touting the fastest ocean liner of all-time to a more leisurely way to travel across the Atlantic ... I loved seeing the so 'Ad Men'-centric mid-century artwork and sensibilities on display.  A great beginning to the SS United States' own resurgence.  Cant wait to see more!!"

Cruise Industry News recently covered the exhibition's opening, noting how the the featured advertisements "shape our understanding, experience, and memory of the SS United States by taking us aboard the ‘American Dream.’” 

The digital exhibition will run through August 15, 2021. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Conservancy is now offering new limited-edition items (more on that below) through our online shop linked HERE. There's also still time to become a Conservancy member so you can participate in our special members-only panel discussion that will be held on Sunday, May 2. 

REMEMBERING ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER RICHARD O'LEARY

Former Deck Officer, Conservancy Supporter Helped Save Beloved Flagship
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Richard O'Leary, a member of the Conservancy's Advisory Council. Richard served as the youngest deck officer aboard the SS United States for five years beginning in 1957, and he later became a strong supporter of the Conservancy's efforts.

In 2015, Richard's made a transformative gift to the Conservancy, extending a lifeline when the ship was in imminent danger. The SS United States remains proudly afloat today in no small measure because of his role. In providing this crucial support, Richard wrote: "The SS United States Conservancy is working to save the ship as a national monument and commercial development. I believe strongly that this effort must succeed. This ship represents a grand example of what Americans can accomplish. Under no circumstances should our nation's finest ocean liner be destroyed. To illuminate her red, white and blue stacks once again would serve as a gleaming and powerful symbol and would showcase the greatness of this country." 

This picture, from O'Leary's book "One with the Sea" shows Richard when he was featured in an advertisement for Eastman Kodak aboard the Big U.
MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
As part of our inaugural digital exhibition, the Conservancy is offering exclusive Advertising the United States merchandise that helps support our efforts to save the historic ocean liner and tell her story to future generations. Along with the stylish t-shirt celebrating the exhibition pictured here, we are also offering new mugs, posters and face masks.

Recently, we highlighted longtime Conservancy friend and supporter Elizabeth Byrd Fletcher on our social media pages. "Fletch," as she is known to the Conservancy's team, is the author of Grandfather's Ship The S.S. United States and she was a close friend of the late Commodore and Mrs. Leroy J. Alexanderson. But, her interest in America's Flagship started from a young age.

THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"Beautiful exhibition. A pleasure to read and see the highly artistic pictures of the ads. Wow, that was a great time for the United States!"

- Erich, a recent visitor to the digital exhibition, Advertising the United States