Heritage Tour at the Mariners' Museum

100 Museum Drive,Newport News VA 23606

23 October, 2021

Description

This program will feature Morning Sessions and Afternoon Sessions for both adults and children to learn more about America's Flagship! On Saturday, October 23, 2021, the Hampton Roads Chapter of the SS United States Conservancy is hosting a fundraising Heritage Tour at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA. During the Morning Session, which will run from 10:00am to 12:00pm, speakers will include Susan Gibbs, granddaughter of the ship's designer William Francis Gibbs and President of the Conservancy; Admiral Mark Buzby (retired), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and former Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration; and Captain James McNamara, SUNY Maritime and Chairman of the Maritime Industry Museum. Additional will be announced in the coming weeks! Afternoon sessions will run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and will include: A Mariners' Museum exhibit with ship items that aren’t normally on display and haven't been seen in decades by the public! A session led by Conservancy Curatorial Associate Sydney Sheehan on forthcoming programs for the "Contributions of Women & the SS United States."A presentation on the SS United States by Gibbs & Cox, Naval Architects.Book signings by Larry Driscoll, author of The Last Great Race: The SS United States and the Blue Riband and Bill Fox, retired naval architect, maritime author, and contributor to the Steamship Historical Society of America.A chocolate station with Virginia's Finest Chocolates with a fun chocolate-themed activity for children.Former crew members discussing their years of working aboard the SS United States and their experiences. A display of photos and contributions of BJ Nixon and Jim Rindfleisch on preserving the SS United States's rich history.A reading by author Elizabeth Fletcher from her children's book Grandfather's Ship: The SS United States.A special SS United States merchandise table will also be featured at both sessions selling original blank menu covers suitable for framing, smokestack tissue holders, original blank passenger, crew, and purser forms, and more! Closing remarks will be from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. Don't miss this unique event located close to where the great ship was built! The Mariners' Museum $1.00 admission for non-museum members is not included in the event ticket price. Parking is Free. **Please Note: Mask mandates and social distancing will be followed in accordance with state and local COVID directives at the time of the event.** The SS United States Conservancy leads the global effort to save America’s Flagship, the SS United States. Like the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument, the “most famous ship that didn’t sink” is an icon for all ages. Designed by famed American naval architect, William Francis Gibbs, the SS United States is one of the last remaining great superliners from the golden age of transatlantic travel. Sadly, this national icon is in danger of disappearing forever. We need your support now more than ever to ensure that this enduring expression of American design and innovation educates and inspires for generations to come.