Meet the Conservancy: Kevin McElvaney, Communications & Outreach Associate

The Conservancy is dedicated to raising awareness of the SS United States far and wide, with the goal of creating an inspiring future for this magnificent ship. Of course, in the digital age, the web and social media play a significant part in spreading the word about America’s Flagship.

Today, we’re speaking with the Conservancy’s current Communications and Outreach Associate, Kevin McElvaney, who takes an active role in promoting the Big U online through social media, email campaigns, and blog posts.

Kevin McElvaney aboard the Big U. Photo by Megan Thrash. 

How did you get involved with the SS United States Conservancy?

It’s worth mentioning that I’m the newest member of the Conservancy, having only “climbed aboard” last November. Previously, my position was held by Lara Hetzel, who did such a wonderful job growing our online audience and setting the tone for the work I’ve been doing so far. Not long after applying for the job last fall, I had the opportunity to talk to the Conservancy’s Executive Director Susan Gibbs about this position. Her enthusiasm for the Big U was infectious, and I knew right away I had to be a part of this team. Not long after, I was!

What is your role as the Conservancy's Communications and Outreach Associate?

In a nutshell, I’m focused on all things digital. Whether I’m planning out social media posts, putting together our electronic newsletter, or writing stories for this blog, my goal is to help create a better future for the SS United States. Sometimes that means talking to supporters or former passengers, helping to document their stories. Other times, it’s sharing news about the ship or reminding our readers about the need for donations. I take a lot of pride in this work, because I firmly believe in the Conservancy’s mission to preserve the legacy of America’s Flagship.

What has been your favorite experience working with the Conservancy thus far?

There have already been so many highlights! Corresponding with former passengers and crew (as well as their families) has been one of my favorite aspects of this job. It’s so interesting to hear about the experiences of people who were actually there. In general, I love reading all the messages of support that pour in on our social media platforms.

 Beyond that, perhaps the greatest thrill has been spending time in and around the ship. When I'm on board the vessel and helping document the Conservancy's preservation and outreach efforts, it feels almost surreal. The SS United States has been — and still is — such an important part of our national heritage.

What are you looking to accomplish with the Conservancy in the near future?

More than anything, I’m looking to reach growing numbers of potential SS United States supporters who don’t yet know this ship’s amazing story. And, for the supporters who’ve been with us for a while, I want to continue sharing new stories, interesting facts, and compelling photos every week.

One thing I’m looking to do in the very near future is to revive our Instagram account, which has remained dormant for some time. If you’re on Instagram, make sure you’re following us: @ssusc. We’ve got some big things planned, which you won’t want to miss!

If you’re not already, find the SS United States Conservancy on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates about America's Flagship.

New Norman Rockwell Museum Exhibit to Highlight SS United States

“Finding Home: Four Artists’ Journeys” will Feature Famed Illustrator David Macaulay’s New Book, “Crossing on Time” and a Massive Model of the SS United States

STOCKBRIDGE MA—Depicting poignant stories of immigrating to America, a new exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum showcases the journeys and rich family narratives of four renowned artists. For famed author-illustrator David Macaulay, that journey included a transatlantic voyage on board America’s Flagship, the SS United States. That trip, chronicled in his new book Crossing on Time: Steam Engines, Fast Ships and a Journey to the New World, will be featured in Finding Home: Four Artists’ Journeys, opening November 10.

The SS United States Conservancy has loaned the Museum an 11-foot-long model of the great ocean liner to give visitors a three-dimensional reference for the historic vessel depicted in Macaulay’s illustrations.  The huge model, never before placed on public display, weighs in at more than 300 pounds. The finely-crafted model was a gift to the Conservancy from the family of Henry Bushnell. Additional items from the Conservancy’s extensive permanent collection on loan for the exhibit include vintage travel posters, photographs, and even an aluminum rivet from the 990-foot-long ocean liner.

“Norman Rockwell was an American original who captured our nation’s singular spirit in his work, just as the SS United States is a unique achievement and symbol of our nation the world over,” stated SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs. “The history of immigration and that of transatlantic ocean liners – culminating in the great SS United States – are closely connected. David Macaulay’s childhood journey aboard “America’s Flagship” as rendered in his exquisite illustrations help convey the vessel’s unique role in shaping the American story.”

Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, the Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary. The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work, including 835 original paintings and drawings. It presents, preserves, and studies the art of illustration and the power visual images have to shape and reflect society.

“We are thrilled that this exhibition is able to connect Norman Rockwell Museum with the SS United States which is such an important vessel and public landmark” says Martin Mahoney, Director of Curatorial Operations at NRM. “Bringing history and contemporary art together helps to illuminate the story of our shared past.”

Other series of illustrations featured as part of the exhibition include, Amalgam by Frances Jetter, Dreamers by Yuyi Morales and Leaving China: An Artist Paints His World War II Life by James McMullan. Finding Home is open to the public and runs at the Normal Rockwell Museum through May of 2020. The Museum is open 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. daily and 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. weekends. 

ABOUT THE NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2019, the Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to education and art appreciation inspired by the legacy of Norman Rockwell. The Museum holds the world’s largest and most significant collection of art and archival materials relating to Rockwell’s life and work, while also preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting a growing collection of art by other American illustrators throughout history. The Museum engages diverse audiences through onsite and traveling exhibitions, as well as publications, arts and humanities programs, including the Rockwell Center for American Visual Studies, and comprehensive online resources.  For more information visit www.NRM.org