The Conservancy is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the SS United States, with the goal of creating an inspiring future for this magnificent ship.
Today, we’re speaking with the Conservancy’s Administrative Associate, Griffin Watson, who plays an important role in supporting the Conservancy’s mission.
Griffin graduated from James Madison University with a degree in History and International Affairs, and brings a wealth of administrative and community outreach experience to our organization.
Photo of Griffin Watson, courtesy of Susan Gibbs.
How did you get involved with the SS United States Conservancy?
From a very young age, I have had a strong passion for history. My grandfather, an avid genealogist, used to captivate me with stories of our family’s past in his 19th-century Greek revival house in upstate New York. From this upbringing, I developed a love for American history and the built historic environment around us. Moving all over the East Coast, I also developed a particular passion for maritime history. After studying history and international affairs in college, I moved to Philadelphia and soon discovered that the SS United States was docked here. While researching the ship, I discovered that the Conservancy was looking for an Administrative Associate. The position fits all of my passions perfectly!
What is your role as the Conservancy's Administrative Associate?
I handle the day-to-day operations of the Conservancy. Some of my tasks involve donor communications, processing donations, and helping to plan events. I do some curatorial work as well, such as cataloging items that have been donated to the Conservancy. Since much of our staff works remotely, I also connect everyone with the physical office in Philadelphia and work on other miscellaneous tasks that require an in-office presence.
In your work with the Conservancy thus far, what are you most proud of?
I am proud of the curatorial work we do. We have preserved hundreds of items from the SS United States’ heyday. These artifacts range from everyday items such as life vests to more glamorous items such as the ship’s Steinway piano. All these artifacts play such an important role in telling the story of the ship and the people who worked and traveled on her. My favorite part of studying history is telling the stories of the people who came before us.
What are you looking to accomplish with the Conservancy in the future?
I am looking forward to working towards restoring and revitalizing the ship. I think that it has great potential not only as an educational space but also as a working and living space, where it can continue to make history. I consider it such a privilege to be able to work with one of America’s greatest national treasures, and I firmly believe that with the hard work of the Conservancy and the generosity of our donors we will be able to preserve this treasure for future generations.
