On Saturday, April 9, 2022, the Hampton Roads Chapter of the SS United States Conservancy is hosting a fundraising Heritage Tour at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA. During the Morning Session, which will run from 10:00am to 12:00pm, speakers will include Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of the ship's designer William Francis Gibbs and President of the Conservancy; Admiral Mark Buzby (retired), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and former Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration; and Captain James McNamara, SUNY Maritime and Chairman of the Maritime Industry Museum. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks!
Three 30-minute afternoon sessions, with a 15-minute break between each, will run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and will include:
"New Technologies to Save a Maritime Icon" - A presentation by the ship's original design firm, Gibbs & Cox.
"Commanding the SS United States" - A presentation by SUNY Maritime graduates, including Captain James McNamara.
"First Ladies of the Sea: The SS United States' Transatlantic Trailblazers” - A presentation on Elaine Kaplan, Dorothy Marckwald, Anne Urquhart, et. al.
"Grandfather's Ship: The SS United States" - A children's book reading by author Elizabeth Fletcher & her service dog, Lincoln McCarthy.
Running concurrently and at attendees leisure during the afternoon:
Book signings by Larry Driscoll, author of The Last Great Race: The SS United States and the Blue Riband and Bill Fox, retired naval architect, maritime author, and contributor to the Steamship Historical Society of America.
A chocolate station with Virginia's Finest Chocolates with a fun chocolate-themed activity for children.
A Mariners' Museum exhibit with ship items that aren’t normally on display and haven't been seen in decades by the public!
Wine tastings with MountainRose Vineyards of Wise, Virginia.
A special SS United States merchandise table will also be featured at both sessions selling original blank menu covers suitable for framing, smokestack tissue holders, original blank passenger, crew, and purser forms, and more!
Closing remarks will be from 4:00pm to 4:30pm.
Don't miss this unique event located close to where the great ship was built!
The Mariners' Museum $1.00 admission for non-museum members is not included in the event ticket price. Parking is Free. Breakfast and lunch may be purchased through the Mariner's Museum Cafe.
Hotel Options
Hotel options in Newport News close to the Mariners' Museum are as follows. Rates posted here (per night) as of December 19, 2021 online and are subject to change:
1. Newport News Marriott at City Center: $265
2. Courtyard by Marriott in Newport News: $199
3. Holiday Inn Express in Newport News: $182
4. Best Western Plus, Newport News, VA: $99
If preferred to stay in Hampton, VA, then there is The Landing at Hampton Marina by Hilton at $228 per night. (As of December 19, 2021 online and is subject to change).
**Please Note: Mask mandates and social distancing will be followed in accordance with state and local COVID directives at the time of the event.**