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Celebrating the SS United States

 Oral History Projects

Preserving Legacies and Propelling Ingenuity

The SS United States Conservancy is documenting the stories of those with connections to the SS United States.

We have connected with hundreds of former officers and crew members, builders, designers, passengers, maritime historians, and ship enthusiasts to help preserve the legacy of the Big U. These moving stories collected over the last decade preserve the first- hand accounts of the thrill of serving and sailing on board America’s Flagship.

Learn more below.

Our Podcast
Oral History Videos
Passenger Lists

Passengers & Crew

Image courtesy of Kingston Winget

Image courtesy of Kingston Winget

Did you sail on the SS United States? Did you or someone you know work on board the ship? Do you have a family connection to the “Big U”? The SS United States Conservancy is compiling a comprehensive database of passenger lists and crew records, and we need your help! We plan to digitize these materials into a searchable database in conjunction with our expanded archival collections and future museum display.

When United States Lines went out of business in the 1980s, all the passenger and crew records from the SS United States were scattered. If you have any passenger lists from the SS United States’ service career, and are willing to share the originals or photocopies with the Conservancy, please email us at info@ssusc.org.

Thank you so much for your help!

 

The Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge podcast is one component of the SS United States Conservancy’s Oral History Project. Gathering recorded interviews of everyone from night porters to passengers, we hope to be able to bring the history and memories of the SS United States to life. Are you interested in sharing your story? Please email us at info@ssusc.org.

Participate
 
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Episode 1: ‘The Kiss of Death’ with Bob Sturm

Bob Sturm served as an engineer on board the SS United States. As an essential crew member, Sturm was able to know the ins and outs of the ship in ways others would never be able to! Listen as he recalls exciting memories and daunting shifts on board the SS United States.

Episode 2: A Unique Perspective with Joe Rota

Long time supporter and Conservancy board member Joe Rota recounts his career on the SS United States. With a stint as the ship photographer, Rota gives us a behind the scenes look at life on the United States.

Listen Now
Listen Now

EPISODE 4: SUMMER OF FUN WITH ALAN STARK


Alan Stark was only 17 when he joined the crew of the SS United States as a night porter. With one of the most unique perspectives on board the ship, Stark recounts his summer of fun on the Big U!

Listen Now
 

EPISODE 3: STUDY ABROAD WITH JAMES “CHIP” NORTHRUP

James Northrup travelled on the SS United States as a young man on his way to England for a year abroad. From unexpected meetings to late night shenanigans, “Chip” Northrup sure did have the experience of a lifetime aboard the Big U.

Listen now

ORAL HISTORIES AND TESTIMONIALS

The Conservancy continues to expand its oral and video documentation. Our oral history collections are a vital part of our exhibit development and curatorial work. We are excited to showcase these memories and testimonies in our land based museum in Okaloosa County. Below are some of our most recent recordings.

Please note, these videos were captured prior to the SS United States’ sale to Florida’s Okaloosa County, and these videos reflect participants’ enthusiasm for the Conservancy’s prior plans to redevelop the Big U. The Conservancy’s efforts to celebrate and commemorate the SS United States are now focused on our future land-based museum, but these videos have been preserved unedited.

To view the full series, CLICK HERE to be connected to the Conservancy's YouTube page and watch our full collection of video testimonials. Are you a former passenger or crew member? Do you have a family connection to the SS United States? We want to hear from you! Please email info@ssusc.org to participate in our oral history project.

Maiden Voyage Reflections

Flagship Stories