NEW ONLINE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO SAVE THE UNITED STATES

Groundbreaking Online Experience Leverages Social Networking, Power of Internet to Save and Restore America’s Flagship

(New York, NY) July 11, 2012 — In time for the 60^th anniversary of her historic maiden voyage, the SS United States is steaming onto computer screens across America.  The Save the United States campaign (www.SavetheUnitedStates.org) blends social networking with historic preservation to raise awareness and resources for the cause of saving America’s flagship.  The new interactive experience is intended to create an online community around protecting this global symbol of America’s power, pride and innovation. For as little as $1, supporters can help save a big piece of our history.Before the Space Shuttle and the 747, the SS United States was one of America’s crowing technological achievements.  Larger than the Titanic, she shattered the transatlantic speed record 60 years ago this month – a record that has never been broken.  The safest, fastest and most advanced ship of her time, SS United Statesepitomizes “Made in America” and remains the largest passenger ship constructed entirely in the U.S.  The historic vessel was part of a top secret Cold War program to build the fastest ship afloat that could be quickly transitioned from the luxury liner of choice for Hollywood celebrities to massive troop carrier.Today, the United States sits idle and in a state of disrepair in Philadelphia awaiting restoration and repurposing as a museum and stationary waterfront destination.“She bears the name of this great nation and deserves to be part of our future,” states Susan Gibbs, executive director of the SS United States Conservancy, which purchased the vessel last year.  “This new campaign leverages the power of social networking and the internet like never before to ensure this ship is protected and restored for future generations. “We can’t bring the ship to everyone, so this interactive website will give visitors a chance to explore a virtual United States, learn about her people and history, and donate to create their own profiles within this historic vessel.”The dynamic web platform, designed by Social Control of Los Angeles, enables visitors to scroll across the exterior of the ship and zoom in for historical information about the ship’s people from the Presidents who sailed aboard her to immigrants and crew members.For $1 per square inch, supporters can zoom in to select sections of the ship to save and build their own online profile tied to their sections.  Supporters can upload photos, stories, anecdotes, and tributes which can be linked to their Facebook pages and other social networks.  Individuals and corporations have a variety of customization options including highlighting their sections with badges, colors and other graphics.“We’re creating a new online community of people who not only care about this great ship but in celebrating our common history,” states Gibbs.  All donor profiles will be included in a new high-tech Wall of Honor in the permanent shipboard exhibition.Funds raised by the campaign will be used to fully restore the exterior of the nearly 1000 foot-long ship to her former glory.  They will also be used toward developing a 20,000 square foot museum and educational facilities on board the vessel to showcase the history, culture and technology of the 20^th century post-war period.Those interested in supporting the campaign can log onto www.SavetheUnitedStates.org or can connect with the effort on FB at facebook.com/SSUSC or on Twitter @SavetheSSUS.Media Contact:Thomas J. Basile, SS United States ConservancyTBasile@EmpireStrategy.com – 917-579-2216ABOUT THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCYA national nonprofit organization and owner of the greatest American ocean liner ever built, the SS United StatesConservancy leads the global effort to save and repurpose the SS United States.  The Conservancy raises public awareness and financial resources for the maintenance, restoration and ultimate reuse of this iconic vessel and works to ensure that the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic remains an inspiration for generations to come.  For more information about the SS United States visit www.ssusc.org.