The SS United States Diary of Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson

American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was among the great number of famous personalities who crossed the Atlantic aboard the SS United States. Although she almost always suffered from seasickness, sailing on the ocean was one of the things she most loved to do. In an excerpt from her personal diary, written aboard the ship between March 30th and April 4th, 1961, Miss Jackson described her journey this way:

"New York, March 30: We took a cab to the United States Lines pier on W. 46th Street to board the SS United States. Loads of friends gathered to see me off. Everything was most exciting, with photographers from New York papers snapping pictures. I was dead tired and soon as the boat pulled out I was in my room and in bed."

Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson aboard the SS United States, 1961. Credit: Bettmann/CORBIS.

Jackson's journal continued:

"SS United States, April 1: After sleeping for two days I came out of my stateroom through the insistence of musical director Meyer Davis who kept calling to me to attend a party for comedian Jackie Gleason. So finally I pulled myself out of bed and mingled with the guests, but within an hour I was back in my room looking out through the window at the beautiful water. I never knew water had such a drawing power on me. It was quite interesting to see the different forms and shapes the water would take, the different waves and colours; the different moods and sounds."

The next day, on April 2, which was Easter Sunday, Ms. Jackson sang aboard “Were You There When They Crucified Our Lord” for the Protestant Service. Two days later, the Big U arrived at Southampton where reporters and interviewers came aboard to interview her, prior to the triumphant concert that took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson aboard the SS United States, 1964. Credit: Bettmann/CORBIS.

The SS United States has been a cultural icon since her maiden voyage in 1952. Today, she continues to inspire authors, artists and musicians around the country. 

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This is a crucial time for the SS United States, and you can play a decisive role in securing her future. There are many ways to get involved — make a donation today.

Meet the Conservancy: Allee Davis, Outreach & Preservation Director

As the SS United States Conservancy works to secure the future of the nation's greatest and sole remaining ocean liner, we're also busy building the world's largest collection of artifacts, art and historical documents from the SS United States.

Today we're giving you a peek behind the scenes, as we speak with a Conservancy staff member who plays a key role in advancing our curatorial mission and protecting the legacy of America's Flagship: Outreach and Preservation Director, Allee Davis. 

Allee Davis, SS United States Conservancy Outreach and Preservation Director. Photograph by Lara Hetzel.

How did you get involved with the SS United States Conservancy?

Growing up in and around Philadelphia, I was aware of the ship's presence and in awe of her story. Shortly after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania's Historic Preservation graduate program, I had the opportunity to join the SS United States Conservancy, and a little over four years later, I remain humbled and excited to be a part of this tremendous effort to save and preserve one of our nation's most irreplaceable pieces of history.  

What is your role as the Conservancy's Outreach and Preservation Director?

As Outreach and Preservation Director for the SS United States Conservancy, I oversee communications with our amazing, far-reaching network of members and supporters, as well as our curatorial efforts — including managing the organization's growing permanent collections and engaging in key preservation-related issues surrounding the vessel's present condition and potential future uses.

A curatorial highlight: United States Lines playing cards donated by Paul T. Allen. Photograph by Allee Davis and Michael Wolfe.

What is the most exciting thing about working with the Conservancy's curatorial collections?

Of the many exciting aspects of working with the Conservancy's curatorial collections, one of my favorites is learning the provenance of each treasure as it is added to our permanent collections. Donors often share compelling stories highlighting their personal connections to the ship, and these accounts truly bring the SS United States to life. Whether sharing memories of drinking whisky with Marlon Brando or clarifying the operation of the ship's watertight doors, these stories combine to convey the unparalleled significance and unique history of the Big U!

One of my favorite stories from the ship's service years occurred on the ship's 256th voyage in September and October of 1963, one of several crossings made by actress Rita Hayworth. Residing in cabin M69 during this particular voyage, Ms. Hayworth submitted a complaint after discovering her toilet seat was stolen, likely by a crew member. Although the allegation was denied by all crew at the time, many years later, at one of the Conservancy's events, the mystery was solved. A few crew members smitten by Ms. Hayworth did, indeed, take her toilet seat from her cabin. It's fun connections such as these that help to build the complex, layered history of the SS United States. 

What are your goals for the future of the Conservancy's curatorial collections and programs?

My efforts in managing the Conservancy's permanent collections and curatorial programs are inspired by the innovation deeply enmeshed in the ship's history and significance as a post-war technological marvel. In keeping with the spirit of the ship, and the excitement around which she was designed and built, we hope to make the history of the SS United States available to the public in similar, innovative ways.

As we lay the groundwork for our future, permanent display, we're at work building a searchable database of former passenger and crew members as we continue to amass passenger lists and similar rosters from the ship's service years. Once a basic database is finalized and circulated, an incredible network of historical connections will emerge! We're also supporting exciting temporary exhibitions: next up is a partnership with the Norman Rockwell Museum, in tandem with the release of renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay’s forthcoming book about the SS United States.

We're so grateful to Allee for all that she does to ensure a safe future for the Conservancy's curatorial collections and for the largest item in our care — America's Flagship, the SS United States! Help us continue this important work by making your tax-deductible donation today.

Meet the Conservancy: Kevin McElvaney, Communications & Outreach Associate

The Conservancy is dedicated to raising awareness of the SS United States far and wide, with the goal of creating an inspiring future for this magnificent ship. Of course, in the digital age, the web and social media play a significant part in spreading the word about America’s Flagship.

Today, we’re speaking with the Conservancy’s current Communications and Outreach Associate, Kevin McElvaney, who takes an active role in promoting the Big U online through social media, email campaigns, and blog posts.

Kevin McElvaney aboard the Big U. Photo by Megan Thrash. 

How did you get involved with the SS United States Conservancy?

It’s worth mentioning that I’m the newest member of the Conservancy, having only “climbed aboard” last November. Previously, my position was held by Lara Hetzel, who did such a wonderful job growing our online audience and setting the tone for the work I’ve been doing so far. Not long after applying for the job last fall, I had the opportunity to talk to the Conservancy’s Executive Director Susan Gibbs about this position. Her enthusiasm for the Big U was infectious, and I knew right away I had to be a part of this team. Not long after, I was!

What is your role as the Conservancy's Communications and Outreach Associate?

In a nutshell, I’m focused on all things digital. Whether I’m planning out social media posts, putting together our electronic newsletter, or writing stories for this blog, my goal is to help create a better future for the SS United States. Sometimes that means talking to supporters or former passengers, helping to document their stories. Other times, it’s sharing news about the ship or reminding our readers about the need for donations. I take a lot of pride in this work, because I firmly believe in the Conservancy’s mission to preserve the legacy of America’s Flagship.

What has been your favorite experience working with the Conservancy thus far?

There have already been so many highlights! Corresponding with former passengers and crew (as well as their families) has been one of my favorite aspects of this job. It’s so interesting to hear about the experiences of people who were actually there. In general, I love reading all the messages of support that pour in on our social media platforms.

 Beyond that, perhaps the greatest thrill has been spending time in and around the ship. When I'm on board the vessel and helping document the Conservancy's preservation and outreach efforts, it feels almost surreal. The SS United States has been — and still is — such an important part of our national heritage.

What are you looking to accomplish with the Conservancy in the near future?

More than anything, I’m looking to reach growing numbers of potential SS United States supporters who don’t yet know this ship’s amazing story. And, for the supporters who’ve been with us for a while, I want to continue sharing new stories, interesting facts, and compelling photos every week.

One thing I’m looking to do in the very near future is to revive our Instagram account, which has remained dormant for some time. If you’re on Instagram, make sure you’re following us: @ssusc. We’ve got some big things planned, which you won’t want to miss!

If you’re not already, find the SS United States Conservancy on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates about America's Flagship.