A.J. Jelonek
ArtS, Archiving,
& Adventure
...And More!
Created by A.J. Jelonek in honor and support of the SS United States
and SS United States Conservancy.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos © A.J. Jelonek
Visit
SS United States - The ship is currently moored in Philadelphia. She is at an active port, so access is severely limited. The IKEA across the street has a 2nd floor cafe where you can find a great view of the ship. Philadelphia, PA.
The Mariners' Museum - Entry sign features SSUS propeller and propeller shaft. Chairs and tables in their Cafe are also from the ship. Newport News, VA.
Christopher Newport University Bell Tower - Features Bell from SS United States. Donated by Dr. Sarah Forbes, former owner of famed Windmill Point Restaurant and SS United States Lounge. Newport News, VA.
National Museum of American History - In the "On the Water" exhibit, a section is devoted to ocean liners. Half of the display space is given to the SS United States. Washington, DC.
Cruise Ships - Many modern ships showcase memorabilia and tributes to the Big U and the SS America. This includes Pride of America (Norwegian Cruise Line), Celebrity Infinity (Celebrity X Cruises), and Carnival Paradise (Carnival Cruises).
American Merchant Marine Museum - Museum features displays on the SS United States and SS America. Kings Point, NY.
Fort Schuyler - The historic fort holds a Big U propeller and the Maritime Industry Museum, which features displays on the ship. The Bronx, NY.
Read
SS United States Conservancy - Official website. Features information and latest news regarding the ship.
The Great Ocean Liners - Very informative, chronicles the history of many of the world's most famous ocean liners. The SS United States is featured prominently in the central image on the homepage.
www.ss-united-states.net - Old site with fun miscellaneous tidbits about the ship. Has not been updated since 2010.
www.ss-united-states.com - Another old website (looks to not have been updated since 2004). Serves mainly as a time capsule now.
"Picture History of the SS United States" By William H. Miller, Jr (2003) - The first book I owned about the ship. First half of book covers earlier United States Lines' vessels. Second half is devoted to the SS United States. Plenty of pictures, but plenty of words as well.
"The Big Ship" By Frank O. Baynard (2011) - Comprehensive history book on the SS United States.
"A Man and his Ship" By Steven Ujifusa (2012) - Detailed book on William Francis Gibbs and his greatest achievement, the SS United States.
Watch
SS United States in The Daily - Four minute video on the ship. Good for an introduction to the ship. Free on YouTube.
Lady in Waiting (2008) - First documentary on the SS United States. DVD.
SS United States: Made in America (2013) - An updated documentary on the SS United States. Free on YouTube.
The Way She Was (1984) - Before her interiors were auctioned off, a camera crew documented the ship's interiors. DVD.
Rollerblading on the SS United States Promenade Deck - One of my favorites, short YouTube video rolling around the public rooms of the ship today. Free on YouTube.
Silver Screen Review Series - The SS United States has cameo'd in many feature-length movies. A list of each movie and movie review can be found here.
Listen
"First Lady of the Seas" - All the great liners had songs about them. "First Lady of the Seas" was the theme song SS United States'. Rare to find an online recording, contact Mark B. Perry if you really want to hear it.
Let's Dance on Board the SS United States - Big Band album recorded on the SS United States by the Alfred Menconi Orchestra.
"To Every Journey" - Dan Landau wrote and recorded this song about the enduring spirit of the ship of state. December 2014
"SS United States" - Song used in most SSUSC video productions. Written and performed by Skip Denenberg & Andy Kravitz.
The Ship's Whistles - Recording of the ship's whistles blaring.
The Ship's Bell - The ship's bell is located in a bell's tower at Christopher Newport University, and is rung at Commencement or other momentous camus events.
My Advocacy
In Spring 2015, I (A.J. Jelonek) took a class on Digital Humanities my last semester of college. Part of the class was creating digital artifacts over multiple mediums for a cause. I chose the preservation for the SS United States.
Social Media Artifact - Pinterest Profile.
Website Artifact - This is the website. Enjoy. Created with Wix.
Blog Artifact - Originally a sub-page on this website, now consolidated with my main blog, History Scout on Blogger.
Images/Infographic Artifact - Three Easel.ly infographics.
Timeline/Maps Artifact - Tiki-Toki Timeline.
Collaborative Project/Memorials Artifact - Slide.ly video slideshow.
Volunteer
Volunteer - There are many ways you can answer the SOS from anywhere around the globe.
Join a Chapter - There are many SSUSC chapters, including New York, Europe, and Hampton Roads. Look up to see if there is a local chapter you can join ... Or start your own!
Leave a Legacy - If you have any memoribilia, photograph/video, or stories you would like to share with the Conservancy, you can become part of The Legacy Project.
Donate
Donate and Join SSUSC - Donation and Membership Page for the SSUSC.
Save the United States - Interactive virtual donation site. Tax-deductable donation. Buy square inches of a virtual SS United States.
SSUSC Shop - Buy items from the SSUSC's online store. 3rd party wares posted send a percentage of their money back to the Conservancy.
AmazonSmile - You can support a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
through buying on Amazon.com. 0.5% of your purchase will be donated towards your organization, with no extra cost towards you. Make the SS United States Conservancy your organization today, Learn More.