The SS United States Conservancy recently announced that it has raised over $150,000 as part of its efforts to try to relocate the SS United States.
In early July, the non-profit organization launched an urgent fundraising campaign to try to save the former ocean liner, which was built in 1952.
Facing an eviction notice issued by the US District Court in Philadelphia, the SS United States must vacate its current berth by Sep. 12, 2024.
“Since announcing our campaign, nearly 1,000 supporters from across the nation and around the world have donated to help save America’s Flagship,” the Conservancy said in a social media update.
“In addition, if we succeed in securing a new temporary berth for the ship, an anonymous donor has committed an extraordinarily generous six-figure donation that would more than double our current funds raised,” the group continued.
While a new berth for the ship hasn’t been secured yet, the Conservancy celebrated the recent achievements.
“This combination of factors give us renewed hope and energy as we continue forging full speed ahead with this challenging work,” the non-profit organization stated.
In a separate social media post, the Conservancy also updated the status of its search for a new location for the vessel.
“The Conservancy has connected with regional port authorities up and down the eastern seaboard, as well as government officials to engage them in this fight,” the group said.
“We have also worked with maritime associations and private pier owners to explore a wide variety of locations.”
While some options, including the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the Newport News shipyard, have been discarded for the time being, efforts remain ongoing, the Conservancy added.
“Along with this pier outreach, we are contending with a number of other factors, including this year’s intense Atlantic hurricane season forecast and the extensive technical preparations required to ensure that the ship’s potential tow is managed safely.”
The group also filed a motion with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to request more time to complete the relocation.
