MORE TO EXPLORE: GO IN DEPTH WITH THE CURATORS OF OUR FORTHCOMING EXHIBITION, "TRANSATLANTIC TRAILBLAZERS"

Conservancy Curatorial Team Will Highlight the Trailblazing Women of the United States, Archival Collection and More
The SS United States was far more than fastest passenger liner to ever cross the Atlantic. America's Flagship was also a global ambassador for her namesake nation and its "We Can Do It!" spirit in the wake of the Second World War. As the prominent band leader Meyer Davis wrote in "First Lady of the Sea," the ship's theme song, "She has beauty and dignity. The FIRST LADY of the SEA."

Women played a leading role in the country's wartime economy, and their impact was felt across a wide range of industries, including shipbuilding. The unprecedented mass production of ships for the war effort, including Gibbs & Cox's vaunted Liberty Ships, opened up new work opportunities for women. Women continued to play pioneering roles in the art, design and decor for the SS United States. 

As we join so many others in celebrating March as Women's History Month, the Conservancy is proud to be hosting "First Ladies of the Sea: The SS United States’ Transatlantic Trailblazers" on March 15 at 6:00pm EST. This is the first of several forthcoming events in conjunction with this exciting digital exhibition, including our donor-exclusive "Evening with the Curators" being planned for later this year. It's not too late to support the Conservancy by donating at that SS United States Champion level (and higher) to qualify for "Evening with the Curators."

Hosted by the Conservancy's curatorial team, "First Ladies of the Sea" will provide an in depth look at the work that went into developing our new digital exhibition, "Transatlantic Trailblazers: The Women Behind the Art & Engineering of the SS United States" and provide further insight and analysis into the leading roles women played in creating this great symbol of our nation.

FORMER NIGHT PORTER ALAN STARK RECOUNTS HIS
"SUMMER OF FUN" ABOARD THE BIG U

At 17, Stark Was One of the Youngest Crewmembers
As a night porter on the SS United States, Alan Stark has a unique perspective on the famed Blue Riband record holder.

In our latest episode of "The Observation Lounge," Alan Stark recalls that before he even stepped aboard the Big U, he had already been through a whirlwind adventure complete with a car accident and a hair cut. Once on board, Stark enjoyed his duties - especially his role cleaning the ship's theatre - because working at night came with fewer demands from passengers and more freedom to explore the vessel, which he describes as a "floating city."

Having grown up in Queens, Stark recalls that he felt like he could touch the stars while walking the decks at 3am. He also says one of his favorite sights was that of the Statue of Liberty upon the SS United States' return to New York. Though it meant his time aboard the Big U was over, it became a far greater symbol to him than it had been before his time abroad.

MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY
On Saturday, April 9, 2022, the Hampton Roads Chapter of the SS United States Conservancy will be hosting a fundraising Heritage Tour and Program at The Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia. 

This program will feature morning and afternoon sessions for both adults and children to learn more about America's Flagship, including presentations by prominent speakers, a panel discussion with former crew members, wine tasting, an expanded presentation in conjunction with our forthcoming digital exhibition and more. The Mariners' Museum will also be exhibiting SS United States memorabilia that isn't regularly on public display.

Due to the uncertainty about local restrictions related to COVID, the Hampton Roads Chapter has made the difficult decision to cancel the Gala dinner previously scheduled for Saturday, April 9.
 
In lieu of the Gala, members of the Conservancy and the Hampton Roads Chapter will be inviting Heritage Tour attendees for an informal, outdoor gathering of drinks and dining at Cove Tavern that evening.

Refunds will be issued to those who previously purchased tickets for the Gala dinner. 
THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"I did a crossing when I was a student going to school in Italy in the sixties and then on the return voyage for the final homecoming a couple of years later out of Le Havre. A magnificent memory."
- former passenger Sandra Altner