Dear Supporters of America's Flagship,

This year has seen a rollercoaster of emotion and some big decisions for the Big U. On behalf of the Conservancy's entire board of directors, thank you for supporting our work to celebrate and commemorate the SS United States.

As you know, earlier this fall, the Conservancy faced an urgent court-ordered deadline to move the ship from Philadelphia’s Pier 82. When confronted with the horrifying prospect of scrapping the SS United States, we instead partnered with Okaloosa County, Florida, which is now advancing plans to repurpose America’s Flagship as the “World’s Largest Artificial Reef.” We understand that this decision is deeply challenging and emotional for our community. While certainly not the outcome we had envisaged, when confronted with the choice between reefing or scrapping the ship, we chose the more dignified path.

THE NEW SS UNITED STATES EXPERIENCE

The Conservancy is now steaming full speed ahead toward its new mission – planning an extraordinary SS United States Experience – a state-of-the-art museum that will blend the latest technology with our expansive collections of original artifacts, artwork, and archival documentation. The museum will be located near the embarkation points for dive tours to the ship and promises to be a must-see destination for the tens of thousands of divers, history buffs, ship enthusiasts, and tourists who head to the shores of Destin-Fort Walton Beach each year.

We are proud to unveil the first conceptual rendering of our future museum. Developed by the Conservancy team and depicted by world-renowned author and illustrator, David Macaulay, this vision evokes the ship's superstructure as the building’s core. It incorporates one of the ship's iconic funnels, the original radar mast, and one of her five blade propellers into a unique land-based immersive experience.

In addition to virtual reality and other digital experiences, the museum will provide the opportunity for the Conservancy to finally display its extensive collection of one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork and other artifacts, something never possible while the SS United States was docked at Pier 82.

Our work has just begun. In early 2025, members of the Conservancy team will hone in on potential sites for the museum's location. We will also be starting a national search for design firms who will help shepherd the museum development process. The Conservancy will also be expanding its curatorial council and appointing experts who will help guide us in this exciting undertaking.

We will also be involving our supporters to contribute ideas and insights to the museum planning process.

OUR MISSION REMAINS STEadfast

The Conservancy's work may be changing, but our mission remains steadfast. We will continue to ensure that as many people as possible have an opportunity to learn about and experience the SS United States. For more than 40 years, America's Flagship has been inaccessible to the public. Very few have had the chance to walk her decks. Looking ahead, the combined dive and museum experience will ensure tens of thousands of people from around the world will have a chance to see and touch part of this extraordinary history.

YOUR HELP IS CRITICAL

Your help and financial support remain critical as we begin museum development and planning. This is a complex undertaking that will require a top-flight team and involve challenging logistics.

CLICK HERE to become one of the first Museum Patrons.

The Conservancy, with the help of our steadfast supporters, has worked tirelessly for more than a decade to tell the story of America’s Flagship and elevate her national and international profile. Those efforts have not been in vain. If the ship had gone under the scrapper’s blowtorch, it would have been a crime against history. Your help ensured that such a terrible fate did not befall this symbol of our country’s pride, innovation, and resilience.

As we begin this new era for the ship and our organization, we do so with sincere appreciation for you and our entire global community of supporters. Your continued assistance, patience, and enthusiasm are deeply important to our continued success.

Please consider renewing your support or giving a tribute gift to honor someone special in your life. We also offer the opportunity to make convenient, recurrent, monthly contributions.

Together, we will continue to tell the extraordinary story of America’s Flagship – and her soaring spirit – as she continues to endure and inspire above and below the waterline.

P.S. Please look out for our forthcoming digital exhibition, “Food Tastes Better at Sea: Food and Dining Aboard the SS United States,” set to be unveiled in 2025 and don’t miss our next members-only curatorial webinar.