America’s Flagship Design Contest

Whether it’s with our popular baseball caps or sweatshirts, ship enthusiasts are always wearing something that shows off their passion for America’s Flagship. As her namesake celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Conservancy continues our work celebrating an iconic American achievement, the SS United States. Now an exciting new contest will help our supporters from around the world commemorate this moment and wear their hearts on their sleeves!

We’re pleased to announce that the Conservancy is launching a special t-shirt design contest to celebrate the SS United States. Starting on Friday, August 28, and running through Tuesday, October 12th, ship enthusiasts, artists and designers of all ages and ability levels are encouraged to submit a design that will be featured on special commemorative t-shirts that will be sold this year.

Complete contest rules and more information about America’s Flagship can be found below. 

CONTEST RULES: 

  • All designs must be submitted along with the artist’s name, phone number, and email address via this form.

  • Designs submitted from entrants under the age of 18 must include a parent or guardian’s contact information. 

  • Contestants may submit up to two designs.

  •  All design submissions become property of the SS United States Conservancy and must follow the specifications below. 

SPECIFICATIONS: 

  • File type: PNG file with a transparent background

  • Resolution: At least 300dpi

PRIZE:

  • The contest winner will receive a t-shirt with their winning design, a gift basket of unique items, recognition in Conservancy publications if desired, and acknowledgement in the Conservancy’s video tribute to the SS United States, which will be released this fall.

ABOUT THE SS UNITED STATES:

Built to be converted from luxury liner to troop transport in the event of war, the SS United States was able to carry 14,000 troops 10,000 miles without refueling.

Throughout the 1950s, people from around the world booked accommodation on the world’s fastest ship, SS United States, which became known as “America’s Flagship.” Familiar names of the day, including Bob Hope, Princess Grace of Monaco, Salvador Dali, Rita Hayworth, Harry Truman, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Duke Ellington headlined the ship’s passenger lists.

The SS United States' magnificent red, white and blue funnels remain the tallest ever to be installed on a ship — at 65 feet they are themselves as tall as a six-story building. Their design includes distinctive "wings" in the rear that serve to deflect engine exhaust away from passengers on deck.

Many of the Big U’s passengers on westbound voyages were deeply moved by viewing the Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of American freedom and patriotism, from the decks of America’s Flagship. Read reflections from these voyages HERE.

CLICK HERE to read more interesting and inspiring facts about the SS United States.