Curatorial Conversations Series Debuts May 15

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THE ALLOWANCE LIST: A CURATORIAL CONVERSATION SERIES SET TO DEBUT AT 7:00PM (EASTERN) ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Inaugural Conversation Will Feature Personal Recollections of Commodore John W. Anderson As Told By His Son, Conservancy Board Member Charles B. Anderson

We are honored and excited to have Charles B. Anderson, Conservancy board member and son of Commodore John W. Anderson, join us for a special members-only event. Charles will be sharing his personal recollections on his father’s storied career at the helm of the SS United States through rarely-seen photos and fascinating stories.

This presentation kicks off the Conservancy’s new multi-part webinar program, The Allowance List: A Curatorial Conversation Series. Through intimate presentations and discussion, Conservancy members will travel behind the scenes to gain insight into the interesting (and sometimes surprising!) stories surrounding the objects in the Conservancy's collections and the fascinating personalities associated with the ship's history.

Join us online for this engaging presentation that promises to enrich your understanding of the historic legacy of the SS United States. Whether you have a direct and intimate connection with America's Flagship, or you are curious to discover what all the fuss is about, this series is sure to intrigue and inspire you.

This webinar series is a benefit to Conservancy supporters. Not yet a member? CLICK HERE to join. Conservancy members can CLICK HERE to RSVP for this special event.

Since its founding in 2009, the SS United States Conservancy has been educating the public about the ship's history, developing physical and digital exhibitions, planning a future museum, and expanding its curatorial and archival collections. The Conservancy's extensive holdings of artwork and artifacts showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship that made the SS United States a singular technological achievement and unique expression of mid-century modern design. Through acquiring, preserving, and displaying its curatorial collections, the Conservancy works to ensure that the history of the SS United States will endure and inspire for generations to come.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THE INAUGURAL PRESENTATION OF “THE ALLOWANCE LIST.”

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY.

CONSERVANCY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER'S "LIEFDESAFFAIRE MET EEN SCHIP" (LOVE AFFAIR WITH SHIPS) LEAVES LASTING IMPACT

Casper van Hooren Continues to Advise the SS United States Conservancy

The former owner of the famed Dutch ocean liner, the SS Rotterdam, Casper van Hooren (pictured right, photos by Seffi Galetta) has had a lifelong love affair with the sea. Van Hooren, who continues to advise the Conservancy on redevelopment issues as an Advisory Council member, was recently profiled by Magreet Hofman in the Dutch publication, Den Haag Centraal (pictured right), about his work restoring the last Dutch "ship of state."

As the article notes, van Hooren's work on the SS Rotterdam has been a huge success. Reflecting on the magical day the ship was revitalized, Van Hooren shared, “When it was towed to Rotterdam... There were about 100,000 people from Hoek van Holland along the Maas. The ship was brought in by two Rotterdam tugboats. The water was full of all kinds of boats, everyone wanted to be there. Some people were visibly moved. The ship still evokes emotions.”

Van Hooren also talked about his work with the SS United States Conservancy and his hopes for revitalizing America's Flagship. When he first learned of the Conservancy's efforts, "It was really an 'aha experience'... The spark flew again. This ship is even larger, almost 300 meters long. It lay there, just like the SS Rotterdam at the time, waiting abandoned. We just have to find a location in New York where it can be located. This means that the four largest classic steamships (will have) been saved: the SS Rotterdam, the SS United States, the Queen Mary in Los Angeles and the Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai...The ships are floating heritage. They must be preserved and deserve protection, that is my mission.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE ABOUT CASPER VAN HOOREN'S "LOVE AFFAIR WITH SHIPS."

MORE FROM THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY

CONSERVANCY MAKING PREPARATIONS AS IT AWAITS JUDGE'S RULING

While the SS United States Conservancy remains confident it will prevail in Federal Court in a case brought against the nation's flagship by its landlord, Penn Warehousing, the national nonprofit remains actively engaged in contingency planning for all potential outcomes.

Since the release of the RXR- MCR redevelopment plan last November, the Conservancy has been advancing conversations with elected officials in targeted states about potential short- and long-term berths for the iconic symbol of the nation. As was also widely reported, the Conservancy has issued an urgent plea to President Biden to help secure a temporary berth for America's Flagship.

WHEN A DECISION IS ISSUED, THE CONSERVANCY WILL SHARE NEXT STEPS WITH OUR SUPPORTERS.

WELCOME ABOARD AMERICA'S FLAGSHIP

On a chilly but sunny recent Saturday morning, the Conservancy was pleased to be able to welcome some of our newest Captain's Quarters members aboard America's Flagship for a special tour of the Big U!

A very heartfelt thank you to Conservancy member Dan Ferko for your seven years of generous support. After his tour, Dan shared: "My late Mother always told me, 'leave things better than the way you found it' and 'always take care of those who can’t take care of themselves.' I only hope my small contributions may help to save this National Maritime Treasure for our future generations."

Our dedicated members provide invaluable support as we take care of "the most famous ship that didn't sink" and continue to expand our extensive curatorial and archival collections.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DONOR TOURS AND BECOMING A CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS MEMBER.

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THE BIG U CONTINUES TO INSPIRE...

"[Traveling aboard the SS United States] was an experience I hold precious... I know my contribution is small in relation to what it will take to save her. I wish I were in a position to offer much more because the ship was so meaningful to that impressionable seventeen year old, and is to this day!"

- Jeff Boeger, a supporter in Michigan