August 18, 2015 - Daily Press

Now Celebrated in Song, SS United States Still Needs Help August 18, 2015 - Daily Press

To learn more about Dan Landau and his hopes for the SS United States, read Hugh Lessig's powerful story in the Daily Press.

American performer/composer/producer Dan Landau sings his defiantly hopeful "To Every Journey," joined by Hampton Roads' acclaimed Virginia Children's Chorus, led by Carol Thomas Downing, Founder and Artistic Director, in a united bid to inspire all of America to save its still-proud flagship. Among the young singers on this recording are grandchildren and other descendants of some of the proud Newport News shipyard workers who built the SS United States.

This track is a free download aimed at generating awareness for America's Flagship. You may choose to make a donation for the track if you wish, and all proceeds from the song go directly to the SS United States Conservancy.

August 13, 2015 - July 30 Digital Design Session Highlights

On July 30, the Conservancy convened a brainstorming and planning session focused on our future SS United States "digital exhibition."  Renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay led participants through a discussion about how the legendary ship could potentially be explored and encountered digitally.

Drawing upon never-before-seen sketches of the SS United States that will be featured in his forthcoming book about the ship, Macaulay guided attendees in a rich exchange about the SS United States's scale, significance, and complexity.  He urged the Conservancy to think of its digital exhibition in terms of an enormous jigsaw puzzle, a "cabinet of curiosities," and "the biggest advent calendar you've ever seen."  He emphasized how the ship embodies ingenuity, problem-solving, and "what the nation is capable of when we concentrate."  Meeting participants began to brainstorm about possible digital interfaces and how various target audiences could be reached and engaged.

The digital exhibition represents a major fundraising priority for the Conservancy, as long-term planning for the future SS United States Center for Design and Discovery continues to advance.  The Center will become a dynamic component of the ship's future redevelopment and will feature unique and exciting exhibitions on maritime history, 20th century industrial innovation, American cultural identity, and mid-century modern art and design.

Below are additional photos from the day's events.

(All photos courtesy of Kyle Ober)

AUGUST 11, 2015 Flagship Campaign Launch

Dear Conservancy Supporters: Earlier this summer the Conservancy provided an update on the progress of our redevelopment efforts, including sharing exciting new architectural renderings.  We also announced that while redevelopment planning was advancing, our exclusive option agreement had expired, and our partners were no longer required to pay the ship's carrying costs. That means that to keep the ship safely afloat while pre-development due diligence is completed, we must meet our campaign goal of $180,000 to support the vessel's short-term  insurance, pier rental and maintenance costs.  Without these additional funds, we can't afford to cover the bills - totaling approximately $60,000 per month - needed to keep the ship in the water. This is not the first time the SS United States has faced grave danger. She is afloat today only because people from across the country and around the world have pulled together to help. We've made great strides in recent months toward finding suitable permanent locations for the ship and identifying how best to activate the ship's commercial potential.  We have also advanced a range of potential public uses for the vessel, including a museum/educational center, performing arts space, public park amenities, energy generation, a maritime school, and a center for veteran support.  However, until a new agreement is finalized, the fate of the SS United States is in our hands. We have asked for your help before, but we are asking again at this absolutely crucial time because we believe that America's Flagship deserves to be given every opportunity to survive. There are many ways to contribute and participate, from donating, giving a gift membership, posting on social media, and supporting our fall events.  Our kick-off campaign tee shirt is available HERE, and other special campaign features will be announced in the coming weeks.In the words of Advisory Council member David Macaulay, the ship "remains a powerful reminder of American ingenuity, vision, and skill, while at the same time sparking imagination and inspiring dreams yet to be realized." Our "dream yet to be realized" is that the revitalized SS United States will endure as an extraordinary physical space and a soaring symbol of what's possible.  Thank you for joining us as we work to make this dream come true.  We haven't come this far to let go of the ship's safety line that, together, we have worked so hard to create.In gratitude,             Susan Gibbs, Executive Director