The Steamship Historical Society of America

SSHSA Members Gordon Ghareeb and Martin Cox have authored Hollywood to Honolulu - The Story of the Los Angeles Steamship Company.  Two decades in the making, this 265 page publication is filled with hundreds of images, including 8 color plates.   The story of "LASSCO" and the era of the magnificent ocean liners during the "Roaring Twenties" comes to life within the pages of this much anticipated, thoroughly enjoyable and exhaustively researched and illustrated tribute. This book is a must have for anyone intersted in America's Maritime History!

The book is available for $35 plus $8 for shipping & handling within the United States. Please call (401) 274-0805 or e-mail info@sshsa.org for shipping prices elsewhere. You may order online via our e-bay Ship's Store by clicking on this link and then typing in Hollywoood to Honolulu in the search box http://stores.shop.ebay.com/sshsa-online-store

Join SSHSA members as we celebrate the founding of our organization..... This year SHHSA turns 74 years old! Want to learn more?  Order our out-of-print 40th Anniversary or 50th Anniversary publications. Click on the "Store" icon above or "Publications" and submit your request today. 

 

SSHSA is highlighting the status of many ships currently in transition.... The following categories include:

Threatened/Endangered:

This includes ships whose future remains unknown or uncertain. These vessels require immediate action as change is on the horizon. Links to organizations dedicated to these vessels with contact information appears here....

Delta Queen

This iconic National Historic Landmark has been plying America's rivers and inland waterways since 1928.  This is the last traditional steamboat carrying passengers overnight in the USA.  October 2008 was the last planned voyage as owner/operator Majestic America Cruise Lines has been unable to obtain an exemption from the US Congress.  www.save-the-delta-queen.org

Columbia

This is America's oldest surviving excursion steamer, having served hundreds of thousands of amusement park daytrippers from 1902 to 1991 on the Detroit River to and from Bob-Lo Island. A National Historic Landmark mothballed for 15 years, an effort is underway to bring this impressive vessel to New York City for restoration and resumed service on the Hudson River. www.sscolumbia.org

Ste. Claire

This partner ship to Columbia was also used to ferry passengers in the Great Lakes area to Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park from 1910 until 1991. This vessel continues to be towed to various locations in the Detroit area as money is raised through "haunted" fundraisers and voluteers as well as professional contractors make progress toward determining its ultimate fate. www.bobloboat.com

United States

America's greatest, and the world's fastest passenger carrying ocean liner, the SS United States remains afloat today, nearly 40 years after ceasing operation. Languishing in Philadelphia, The Big U is owned and maintained by NCL America (perhaps known best for Norweigen Cruise Lines). NCL has stated intentions of converting the SS United States into a modern cruise ship, however after five years of ownership by NCL the nation's flagship remains tied up with only hopes of a re-birth.  Several organizations are involved in attempts to move efforts forward, and film documentaries have been produced to help tell the story.  www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org  www.bigshipfilms.com www.ssunitedstates.org www.ssunitedstates-film.com

Saved/Adapted and/or Preserved:

This category will include great success stories of vessels which will continue to have a future role in today's society, although they may not be in service as originally intended.

Queen Mary

Located in Long Beach, California Queen Mary continues today to serve as America's best example of a classic, early 20th Century ocean liner experience. Permanently moored and adaptively used for close to 40 years now, Queen Mary continues to evolve as a hotel, conference center, museum, retail establishment, and major attraction on the west coast. www.queenmary.com  

QE2

Autumn 2008 marked the final departure for Cunard Lines famous Ocean Liner Queen Elizabeth 2. The ship has been sold to an organization in Dubai and will undergo renovations to begin its new life as a hotel.  www.Qe2.org.uk

Rotterdam

Under complete restoration, Rotterdam - SSHSA's 1996 "Ship of the Year" recipient will emerge later this year as a new adaptive use facility in The Netherlands. Known as traditional today, but very unconventional when launched in 1958, her loyal passenger continue to consider her the "Greatest Ship at Sea"!  www.ssrotterdam.net

At the Breakers/Lost or Destroyed:

This refers to ships that have been towed to the breakers recently or have no hope of any future salvation.

Aquarama

Catalina

EM Ford

France/Norway

Independence