Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
Ray Price Community Room
Stroud Ford Lincoln Auto Park
6320 Route 209, Stroudsburg
America’s international preeminence following World War II largely depended on the Country’s industrial might. In his interactive presentation, Dan McSweeney will discuss the history, design, construction, and operation of the steamship christened “United States” and its connections to Monroe County.
On her maiden voyage, this fabled ocean liner easily trounced the standing transatlantic speed record by half a day, without reaching full power. That record still stands. “The Big U,” as she was known by crew members, could travel faster in reverse than most current ships of her size can travel forward.
The SS United States hosted three American presidents and countless military, political, business, arts, and diplomatic leaders from dozens of countries during her 17 years of service. The vessel also offered state-of-the-art amenities and affordable passage for everyday American families of diverse backgrounds and thousands of immigrants to our shores. She was a striking symbol of American strength and ideals and a secret weapon in more ways than one during the Cold War.
Dan McSweeney was born in Manhattan and his family moved to East Stroudsburg in 1977. He attended local schools before graduating from Valley Forge Military Academy and beginning a career in military service, policy, organizational management, and communications. In 2004, he co-founded the SS United States Conservancy and served as its executive director, in order to raise public awareness and support for the preservation of this historic and last-remaining American ocean liner.
Dan served as a Marine officer in Iraq, Kosovo, East Africa, other areas of operation, and at the Pentagon. He holds graduate degrees from Columbia and Fordham in International Affairs and Business Administration. His current pursuits include community development in New York, documentary film production, support for the Territorial Defense Forces in Ukraine, and volunteering with the Monroe County Historical Association.
Dan's father came to America from Glasgow, Scotland. He served as a crew member aboard the SS United States for almost the entire service career of the ship. Dan's mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico and taught at ESU and Penn State Hazleton.
The Third Thursday Lecture Series is free, but reservations are suggested due to limited space.
To reserve your spot or for additional information, please contact the Monroe County Historical Association office at
570-421-7703 or email admin@monroehistorical.org.
The presentation will also be recorded for those who are unable to attend in person. Look for the program on our YouTube channel following the event.