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As you know, the Conservancy is charting a new course in the wake of the SS United States’ transfer to Florida’s Okaloosa County for conversion into an artificial reef in tandem with the Conservancy’s future land-based museum.
Unable to locate an alternative location for the ship in a very limited window of time and faced with a court ordered choice between scrapping the vessel or reefing, we felt obligated to fulfill our mandate to preserve the ship and her legacy as best we could under less than desirable circumstances and under relentless pressure.
While these plans for the SS United States remain deeply challenging for our community, we are determined to commemorate and celebrate our nation’s flagship. Our future museum will proudly tell the story of the “Big U” as an innovative marvel and design masterpiece. We invite you to join us as we work to ensure that the SS United States inspires and endures for future generations.
Many of you have reached out via email, phone and online with questions about next steps for the ship and the Conservancy’s plans. We have tried to answer them here. We encourage you to continue reaching out to us and we will continue to keep you updated.
Will the Conservancy close its doors now that it no longer owns the SS United States?
The Conservancy will continue its crucial mission of celebrating and commemorating our nation’s flagship, the SS United States. The Conservancy plans an exciting land-based museum and innovation center as well as the recreation of some of the ship’s most historically significant features and spaces. The Conservancy’s future museum will explore the SS United States’ emergence as an iconic American achievement and examine broader themes of 20th century post-war society, maritime history, science and technology, and mid-century modern art and design. The Conservancy continues to expand its permanent collection of SS United States artifacts, historical documents, artwork, and ship fixtures
What happens to the money raised by the Conservancy’s recent campaign to tow the ship to a new home?
Under pressure from a court order, we launched a fundraising effort earlier this year to help cover the costs of the ship’s potential relocation on short notice. We stressed that any contributions received would also support ongoing ship-related expenses, as well as ensuring our curatorial mission would continue regardless of the outcome for the ship. This includes the costs of organizing, managing, and securely storing a vast and growing number of small and large artifacts and archival materials. Under our agreement with Okaloosa County, specific items aboard the ship will remain under the Conservancy’s ownership, but the costs of transporting these items to the future museum site may fall exclusively to the Conservancy. Our ongoing educational and awareness programs will continue without interruption.
Unfortunately, no logistically workable alternate location for the ship could be secured before the clock ran out. All funds raised will now prove vital toward our continued museum and outreach work. As a national non-profit 501(c)3, the Conservancy has always relied entirely on donations which are tax deductible as allowed by law.
How will the Conservancy allocate the proceeds from the SS United States’ sale?
The Conservancy received $1 million for the sale of the vessel. These funds will now serve as the startup capital for the museum, which will be supplemented by an additional $1 million from Okaloosa County. As our mission pivots to honoring our flagship’s legacy, we’ll at last have a home to share the important artifacts already in our collection as well as new acquisitions. Okaloosa County officials have come to understand and respect the SS United States’ importance as a national and global treasure. They have been gracious and respectful colleagues, complying with our requests to salvage vital elements still aboard the SS United States, such as her iconic funnels, the radar mast, the builder’s plate, one of her legendary 5-bladed propellers, important engine room components, and more. Part of the proceeds from the sale will also help cover the costs of the recovery and preservation of these elements while the ship is being prepared for reefing.
How can there be a museum without the ship?
We have long dreamed of a freshly painted, gleaming and refitted SS United States inviting visitors to come aboard and enjoy her dazzling amenities, including a world class museum showcasing her storied career. As grand as the ship’s redevelopment would have been, the details of her creation, extraordinary service career, and tenacious post sailing life can also be conveyed and celebrated in a land-based tribute The Conservancy’s future museum will be open to all and help secure her place in history.
In the unlikely event the reefing plan hits a hurdle and can't advance, is there a contingency plan to save the ship?
Okaloosa County now holds clear and full title to the SS United States, and all purchase and sale contingencies have been met. The Conservancy has an excellent working relationship with Okaloosa County officials, and communications are frequent and open. Most importantly, Okaloosa officials have consistently shown their understanding of the passion for America’s Flagship by the Conservancy and its supporters worldwide. Okaloosa County officials have indicated to the Conservancy that there are no unforeseen circumstances that would prevent the County from moving forward with plans to deploy the SS United States as the "World’s Largest Artificial Reef".
As we navigate this new chapter, we want to assure our community that the SS United States Conservancy will remain committed, steadfast, vigilant, and protective of the SS United States as she is prepared for her new role in the Gulf in tandem with an extraordinary museum. While we grieve the loss of this magnificent ship in her current form, we must and we will continue to celebrate, honor, and conserve her indomitable spirit. In this way, together, we can still save the SS United States for future generations.
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