HAMPTON ROADS HERITAGE WEEKEND & GALA DINNER POSTPONED

New Date: Saturday, April 9, 2022
After careful consideration and out of an abundance of caution because of rising COVID cases, the SS United States Conservancy's Hampton Roads Chapter has made the difficult decision to postpone the Heritage Weekend and Gala Dinner, previously scheduled for Saturday, October 23, 2021, in Newport News, VA. 

The new date for the event will be Saturday, April 9, 2022. All plans remain the same, only the date has changed. We apologize for any inconvenience this change may have caused, however, we feel the change is in the best interest of all presenters and participants. Stay tuned for additional event announcements, and we hope you are able to join us for next spring's celebration!



*Tickets for the daytime program and the gala dinner sold separately.
COLLEGE PROJECT SPURS CHILDREN'S BOOK THAT TEACHES A NEW GENERATION ABOUT AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP

Kendra, Perry Maynard Working On A New Draft of "The S.S. United States"
Kendra and Perry Maynard, a brother-sister duo who self-published a children's book about America's Flagship in 2019, are now updating their tribute to the Big U. Their tale of discovery, featuring the SS United States, along with Lady Liberty and Grandpa and Baby Gull, powerfully conveys how the ship continues to inspire and connect the generations. 
 
Enthralled by learning about the history and accomplishments of the SS United States, the Maynards created a book that became a keystone of Kendra's senior project while she was obtaining her degree in illustration. The Maynards recently shared a "sneak peek" of their forthcoming publication, which will contain many new illustrations (one of which is pictured here).

From David Macaulay's "Crossing on Time" to Elizabeth Fletcher's "Grandfather's Ship" to the first children's book about the SS United States published by Rand McNally back in 1953, America's Flagship continues to captivate young readers (and readers of all ages!).  

We will let you know as soon as this new title hits the shelves!
MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
The Conservancy continues to tell the story of the SS United States to audiences around the world. Last month, Voice of America - an international broadcaster that produces content in 47 languages - unveiled a 16-minute-long feature about the historical significance of the SS United States, some of its famous passengers, and our work to save the ship, for their Russian audience.

The in-depth piece includes extensive use of archival footage, as well as interviews with Conservancy President Susan Gibbs and Vice President Frank DeGiulio.
Earlier this month the Conservancy shared this photo submitted by supporter Mark Tripputi on our social media accounts. The picture was part of a collection of wonderful photographs that were taken by Mark's father while traveling from New York to Italy on board the SS United States in July 1956. 
 
We recently issued a caption contest to our online community and we loved the entries we received! Among the captions submitted were 
Mark Sherman's "Still recuperating from the Captains Dinner." and Mary Griffith's "Life at Sea..rest, reading and riding the rail."
THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"The story of the SS United States is an impressive one, but the ship currently seems to be a floating ghost, just waiting to be rescued. Going forward, it faces the real challenge of the high cost of restoration and preservation...With excitement, enthusiasm and educating the public, maybe there is still an opportunity to save and preserve the SS United States for future generations to see, tour and learn about this historic ship."

- Kendra Maynard in Maritime-Executive (Nov. 2019)