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)