An Enduring Legacy

The Conservancy has artifacts from every chapter of the SS United States' history, from her creation, time on the seas, and the many preservation efforts following her retirement.

Preserving the history and legacy of the SS United States has been only possible thanks to the extended community of former passengers and crew, their families, collectors, scholars, ocean liner enthusiasts, and preservationists. Our steadfast dedication to preserving the SS United States' memory is a profound testament to the wide impact of our beloved ship.

"The SS United States is beautiful. It reminds me of my childhood and going home."

- Nancy Vallese Warren
(passenger 1957 and 1962) 

retirement

SS United States in Newport News, Virginia. 1980s. 

SS United States Conservancy Collection. Courtesy of Robert G. Lenzer. 

Guernsey's Auction Catalog, 1984. 

SS United States Conservancy Collection. Courtesy of Steve Williams.

The SS United States was pulled from service in 1969. Between steadily declining ticket sales, the rising popularity of the airline industry, and high operating costs, ocean liners like the SS United States were no longer economically viable. 

Between 1969 and 1984, the SS United States stayed dormant, laid up in Newport News, Virginia. Grand dining rooms, where thousands of passengers once dined on fine cuisine, sat empty. But the culture - the memories - and the objects that made dining on board so magical, remained, ready for the ship's next chapter. 

In 1980, Richard Hadley purchased the SS United States in a bid to redevelop it. In order to finance his plans, the ship's contents were auctioned off in a huge, three day auction in 1984. The auction was the world's largest auction ever held, with over 1 million items auctioned, with 3,000 bidders paying $1.65 million. Former passengers, crew, and collectors poured in from around the world, purchasing plates, glasses, silverware, linens, and more.

The Spirit of Dining Continues

Crew Reunion, 2004, Windmill Point Restaurant, Nags Head, Virginia. SS United States Conservancy Collection.

This photo shows eight officers posing in front of SS United States historical displays. Pictured officers include Bill Kruedner and Nicholas Landiak. 

Many of these items found their way to restaurants keeping the Big U’s legacy alive. The most comprehensive display and celebration of the SS United States during this time was the Windmill Point Restaurant in Nags Head, Virginia. Dr. Sarah E. Forbes painstakingly recreated onboard dining spaces with original furniture and artwork.

Her living tribute to the SS United States became a pilgrimage site for former SS United States crew members, who hosted many a reunion there. Windmill Point played a key role in early efforts to preserve the history and objects of the SS United States, also hosting early preservationist meetings by the SS United States Preservation Society. When the restaurant closed in 2011, her collection was donated to the Mariner's Museum of Virginia, who in turn, gave much of her collection to the SS United States Conservancy.

 

SS United States Conservancy Collection. Courtesy of Anonymous.

This menu was from the SS United States themed restaurant on the cruise ship Celebrity Infinity.

Menu from Windmill Point restaurant in Nags Head, Virginia. 

SS United States Conservancy Collection. Courtesy of Michael Comer. The first page of the menu from Windmill Point includes an overview of the SS United States memorabilia in the restaurant, including "the bar, the cocktail tables, and chairs." Windmill Point also offered dishes inspired by the food served on the SS United States. 

 

Another restaurant paid tribute to the ship: the "SS United States" restaurant on the Celebrity Infinity. Open in the early 2000s until 2015, the restaurant honored its namesake through dishes on its menu and large displays of historical artifacts. 

SS United States Conservancy Collection. This clipping is from the August 24, 2009 issue of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The photo, taken by Barbara L. Johnston, shows a number of diners at IKEA viewing the SS United States. The Conservancy has hundreds of newspaper clippings in our collection. Together, they tell the long storied history of the SS United States, and testify to the continued interest and support of our extended community.

The SS United States was docked in Philadelphia (1996-2024). She became neighbors with IKEA, earning the new nickname of “the IKEA ship." Once again, the ship became associated with eating, as diners at the Swedish restaurant enjoyed perfect views of the ship. After her departure in 2024, Philly residents said lunch at IKEA would never again be the same.

 

A New Chapter for America's Flagship

This conceptual rendering of the land-based SS United States Museum in Okaloosa County, Florida, incorporates a recreation of a portion of the ship’s superstructure, the vessel’s original radar mast and one of her iconic funnels. (Courtesy of David Macaulay)

The Conservancy is honored to have received donations of these treasured objects from across our community. Our new state-of-the-art museum, soon to be built near Destin, FL, will showcase our extensive collections of dining ware and menus. Together, we continue to preserve these artifacts and histories, ensuring that generations to come will have the opportunity to learn the magnificent story of the SS United States. 


"She carried me to happiness and freedom. She is a symbol."

Josanne Mariani (passenger in 1953)