Heritage Tour & Program

SS United States Conservancy

This program will feature Morning Sessions and  Afternoon Sessions for both adults and children to learn more about America's Flagship!

The Mariners' Museum and Park

On Saturday, April 9, 2022, 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; Captain James McNamara, SUNY Maritime and Chairman of the Maritime Industry Museum; Larry Driscoll, author of “The Last Great Race: The SS United States and the Blue Riband"; and Bill Fox, retired Naval Architect &amp; Maritime Author.Three 30-minute afternoon sessions, with a 30-minute break between each, will run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and will include:<ul><li>"New Technologies to Save a Maritime Icon" - A presentation by the ship's original design firm, Gibbs &amp; Cox. </li><li>"Commanding the SS United States" - A presentation by SUNY Maritime graduates, including Captain James McNamara.</li><li>"First Ladies of the Sea: The SS United States' Transatlantic Trailblazers" - A presentation on Elaine Kaplan, Dorothy Marckwald, Anne Urquhart, et. al.</li><li>"Grandfather's Ship: The SS United States" - A children's book reading by author Elizabeth Fletcher &amp; her service dog, Lincoln McCarthy.</li></ul>Running concurrently and at attendees leisure during the afternoon:<ul><li>Book signings &amp; sales (cash or check only) by Larry Driscoll, author of The Last Great Race: The SS United States and the Blue Riband </li><li>Bill Fox, retired naval architect, maritime author, and contributor to the Steamship Historical Society of America.</li><li>Wine tastings and sales with MountainRose Vineyards of Wise, VA.</li><li>A chocolate station with Virginia's Finest Chocolates with a fun chocolate-themed activity for children.</li><li>A Mariners' Museum exhibit with ship items that aren’t normally on display and haven't been seen in decades by the public! </li></ul>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. Breakfast and lunch may be purchased through the Mariner's Museum Cafe.Hotel OptionsHotel options in Newport News close to the Mariners' Museum are as follows. Rates posted here (per night) as of December 19, 2021 online and are subject to change:	1.	<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phfoy-newport-news-marriott-at-city-center/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Newport News Marriott at City Center</a>: $265	2.	<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phfcn-courtyard-newport-news-airport/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Courtyard by Marriott in Newport News</a>: $199	3.	<a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/newport-news/phfnn/hoteldetail" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Holiday Inn Express in Newport News</a>: $182	4.	<a href="https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-newport-news/best-western-plus-newport-news-inn-suites/propertyCode.47123.html" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Best Western Plus, Newport News, VA:</a> $99If preferred to stay in Hampton, VA, then there is <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ricdlup-the-landing-at-hampton-marina/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Landing at Hampton Marina by Hilton</a> at $228 per night. (As of December 19, 2021 online and is subject to change).In lieu of the Gala Dinner, members of the Conservancy and the Hampton Roads Chapter will be inviting Heritage Tour attendees for an informal, outdoor gathering of drinks and dining at Cove Tavern in Newport News City Center at Oyster Point that evening starting around 6:30pm.**Please Note: Mask mandates and social distancing will be followed in accordance with state and local COVID directives at the time of the event.**

Heritage Tour & Program

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Heritage Tour & Program

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