America's flagship in dire need of new home

The Spark

The SS United States Conversancy has issued a $500,000 emergency fundraiser to rehome America’s flagship. The SS United States has been docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia since 1996.

“SS United States or America’s flagship is the nation’s only remaining great ocean liner. She smashed the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage in 1952, and she is an extraordinary symbol of American achievement and excellence and technological innovation. And there’s nothing like her left anywhere. And we are working so hard to save her, “said SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs.

In June, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled the historic vessel would have to find a new home. The legal battle began when the SS United States landlord, Penn Warehousing, increased the rent in August 2021. Shortly after, Penn Warehousing terminated the lease in 2022, and the lawsuit was filed.

“It simply was to get us off the pier. And we never intended to stay at the pier indefinitely… In hindsight, we wish we had an opportunity to negotiate with the landlord and in good faith and talk about what’s involved in removing the ship from the dock. But, it certainly is not a short term effort to be able to quickly put that together, but we are working on it nevertheless to find a temporary home warrant, “said SS United States Conservancy board member Warren Jones.

The SS United States has until Sept 12, to find a new home. WITF has reached out to Penn Warehousing for a interview or statement regarding this matter. As of now, we have not yet heard back yet. However, if we do, we will update this article accordingly.

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