A letter from the SS United States Conservancy

Dear SS United States Supporter:

The Conservancy’s effort to save the SS United States and celebrate her legacy bears all the hallmarks of an American success story, filled with vision, ambition, uncertainty, risk, passion, and perseverance. 

Back in 2010, the SS United States was days away from being scrapped. The Conservancy succeeded in purchasing the ship, saving her from imminent destruction. I invite you to read our recently published 2023 Progress Report for a detailed overview and update on our work. We have successfully advanced a four-pronged approach to one of the most uniquely ambitious historic preservation projects of the last century. 

• We have built a global movement to save and repurpose the SS United States, a pinnacle of mid-century technological and artistic achievement.

• We have funded the maintenance and protection of the ship at her current pier in Philadelphia.

• We have celebrated and preserved the ship’s rich history by mounting physical and digital exhibitions, building our curatorial collections, and planning our future museum.

• We have exhaustively explored and advanced viable redevelopment partnerships with investors to secure the ship’s future.

Last month, the Conservancy, together with RXR and MCR Hotels, unveiled a transformative plan to save the SS United States and demonstrate her commercial viability as a marquee destination. This plan would repurpose America’s Flagship as a permanently moored floating structure encompassing a collection of unique hospitality, food and beverage, and cultural spaces, as well as a world-class museum honoring the ship’s history and exploring mid-century design, art, and innovation. The project would become a dynamic centerpiece for its port city, creating thousands of jobs and generating millions of dollars in economic activity.

However, as of this writing, the SS United States remains in grave danger, and her future is uncertain. Your help now is particularly vital. Please consider making a year-end, tax deductible donation to assist during this critical time.

The vessel’s landlord doubled the ship’s rent without notice during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequently demanded that she be removed from the pier. The Conservancy has been unable to secure an alternative berth, and a trial is scheduled in mid-January. An unfavorable judgment would devastate the organization and compel us to relinquish control of the vessel. America’s Flagship faces this existential threat exactly when plans for her future have never been more promising.

The Conservancy’s board is now evaluating various contingencies. If the ship’s Philadelphia landlord wins a judgment against the Conservancy and forces the ship from her berth, we will be compelled to scrap or reef the SS United States. We are working very hard to prevent this outcome. We also remain committed to advancing plans for a land-based, permanent exhibition, placing our extraordinary curatorial collections on public display, and continuing to celebrate the ship’s remarkable history.

This is not the first time SS United States has faced stormy seas. Even at her current berth in Philadelphia, she has withstood hurricanes, record-breaking heat, and swirling snow.  With your support, our caretakers have continued to secure her lines and keep her safe.

At this challenging moment, we ask for your help.  Time is of the essence. Your immediate support will help us do everything possible in the coming weeks to save the SS United States, as well as safeguard and eventually display our curatorial collections if a shipboard installation is not possible.

We need you - our steadfast supporters - to hold the lines a little longer. To work together. To demonstrate that our nation can still come together and beat long odds and achieve great things. 

The situation remains extremely challenging, and we will continue to keep you informed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, and we will continue to share updates with our supporters in our e-newsletter, on social media, and on our website.

On behalf of the Conservancy's entire board of directors and staff, thank you, once again, for your invaluable support.

With Gratitude,

Susan Gibbs
President
SS United States Conservancy

All members will receive the 2023 donor appreciation decal, membership card, e-newsletters, and special event invitations. Supporter benefits at the Captain's Quarters level and above include a special tour of the Big U.