Editorially speaking…
As I write this, the 1000-foot-long S.S. United States, the “longest and largest ocean liner ever built in America,” and the record holder for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by a passenger liner, is about to sail one last time.
Not under her own power but with the aid of five tugs.
One of the most beautiful ocean liners ever built, the S.S. United States came along too late in an ever-changing world. —S.S. United States Conservancy
In fact, she was supposed to have left Philadelphia by now but has been held up by bad weather. At Mobile, Ala., she’ll be stripped down to the bare bones, a massive process that’s expected to take up to a year.
Once that’s done, she’ll set another record—as the world’s largest artificial reef. Bigger even than the Titanic.
It’s a bitter-sweet ending for one of the most remarkable ships ever built, the floating palace known as “America’s flagship.” But she’s been docked for decades while she rusted away despite the efforts of those who wanted to save her for posterity like another maritime legend, the S.S. Queen Mary.
Some of the United States will be preserved in a new museum that’s intended to exhibit, among other treasures, both of her funnels, radar mast and other components.
R.I.P. S.S. United States 1952-2024.
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Speaking of museums and things nautical, there’s renewed optimism that the B.C. Maritime Museum is about to acquire a new, permanent home in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
And a new partner, at an estimated cost of $40 million.
The Times Colonist describes the proposed unique combination as a floating Indigenous welcome centre and exhibit measuring 15,000 square feet, with the MMBC housed next door in the historic CPR Steamship Terminal Building.
To be known as the “Future of History,” this partnership between the Maritime Museum and the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations would be one of a kind and situated in one of the most desirable locations on the continent.
Rather than be “a showcase for artifacts,” however, the combined attraction would reshape how B.C. coastal history is presented in “a more comprehensive account of Victoria’s history, where the narratives of the Indigenous and settler experience stand side-by-side”.
This would be a major departure for the MMBC which has eyed the heritage steamship building since it had to vacate the former provincial courthouse in Bastion Square because of seismic concerns.
Opening wouldn’t be until 2029 when the $304 million Belleville Terminal redevelopment is completed.
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The MMBC-Songhees project would harmonize with another new approach to old history that recently took effect at Victoria’s Point Ellice House, a national historic site. After several short-term tenures by non-profit groups which struggled to manage and maintain the ca 1861-62 house on the Selkirk waterway, it’s now run by the Metis Nation BC.
In November 2023, MNBC was “thrilled to announce” they’d “been awarded the contract to operate historic Point Ellice House in Victoria, BC!”
Ever since Point Ellice House became a museum it has reflected the story and values of the pioneering O’Reilly family. But now there’s a twist; according to the MNBC, “This iconic landmark holds immense historical significance for Métis people in the area, reflecting our unique heritage, customs, and way of life.
One of Victoria’s oldest and most famous homes, Point Ellice House. —Author’s photo
“This endeavour is not just about restoration; it's an opportunity to create an inclusive cultural hub dedicated to fostering reconciliation through education, cultural understanding, and collaboration”, said Patrick Harriott, the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Language for MNBC.
“We envision Point Ellice House as a space where visitors engage with Victoria's history and Métis heritage. Through meaningful conversations, we aspire to increase awareness, respect, and unity, turning this heritage site into a beacon of understanding and reconciliation.”
One more novel step along British Columbia’s path to presenting its colonial past in terms of truth and reconciliation. And proof, were it needed, that very little of our history is written in stone.
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