Category Archives: Titanic

Titanic, Titanic Exhibitions, Titanic Miscellaneous

Friday Titanic Bits & Pieces

1. Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition opens this Saturday at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The exhibit runs from 23 Mar through 27 Oct. It is open daily from 0900 to 1700 (9am-5pm) except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors, and $11 children. The prices include general museum admission.

Source: Titanic Exhibit Opens In ABQ Saturday(20 Mar 2013,Albuquerque Journal)

2. Jewels of Titanic are now on display at Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition at Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas. They will be on display through 31 May. For information about dates, times, and admission prices, go here.

Source: Jewels Belonging To Wealthy Titanic Passengers Now On Display(21 Mar 2013, Lights Vegas Action-blog)

3. Some people are going to call this ironic, others comic. It seems Clive Palmer, the man behind Titanic II, had a slight problem with his super yacht. Aptly named “Maximus,” its crew was forced to call for help when it lost power and started drifting towards rocks at Wavebreak Island in the Gold Coast Broadwater. Emergency crews responded and pulled passengers and crew (wearing lifejackets) to safety. And it is not the first time something like this has happened. A similar Palmer vessel ran aground a year earlier in Gold Coast Broadwater. Let the jokes fly!

Source: Titanic Builder Has Nautical Emergency(22 Mar 2013, Ninemsn)

Time Bandits (Two-Disc Special Edition)

A Night to Remember (Criterion Collection)

Wind

Titanic, Titanic Miscellaneous

Hartley’s Violin! Not So Fast Say Skeptics

Various newspapers are reporting that skepticism over the Hartley violin has arisen. To Wallace Hartleyrecap: Henry Aldridge & Sons auctioneers announced that after six years of forensic examination and detective work, they have authenticated a violin owned by Wallace Hartley and was found with his body in 1912. However Karen Kamuda of Titanic Historical Society and Nigel Hampson of Titanic in Lancashire Museum dispute it. Both point out that inventory of items shows no violin was found on his body.

No one is doubting that Hartley owned the violin but whether or not it was the one used aboard Titanic. Aldridge rebuts the charge by pointing out they conducted many tests on the violin (such as chemical), and uncovered a telegram from Maria Robinson to Nova Scotia officials thanking for the violin. Such tests would, I would assume, be available to the museums, exhibitions, and private collectors wanting to make sure the violin is genuine.

So what about the inventory? Well there are two plausible explanations. One is that no violin was found which would cast doubt on the violin in question. The second is that Nova Scotia officials altered the records so that no one would raise any question about a violin being handed over to Miss Robinson. The family likely knew (since she was engaged and purchased the violin for him) and did give her his other personal possessions. In truth, we will never know but the telegram certainly indicates the Nova Scotia officials gave her the violin.

Certainly though raising questions is a good thing to keep things honest in this whole process. While I can see some small operator trying to con a buyer, I doubt Aldridge would do this. The risks are too high with the entire world looking at it under a microscope.

Sources:
1. Authenticity Row Erupts After Violin Played Moments Before The Titanic Sank Is ‘Discovered’ (18 Mar 2013, The Independent)

2. Notes Of Discord Over Soundness Of ‘Titanic Violin’ (19 Mar 2013, Belfast Telegraph)

Titanic

Hartley’s Violin Authenticated

A violin believed to that of Titanic band leader Wallace Hartley is authentic reports The Wallace Hartley's ViolinTelegraph.The violin was thought lost, destroyed or stolen until recently. In 2006, the as yet unnamed owner contacted Henry Aldridge & Son, auctioneers who specialize in Titanic memorabilia, to determine its authenticity and other items of Hartley’s they had. It took a long time to track down what happened to the violin and required a great deal of forensic examination of the violin itself.

And like that Sinatra song, At Long Last Love, at long last we have proof. The violin has been determined genuine making it one of the most important Titanic artifacts uncovered in recent years. This is the violin that Hartley played to calm passengers as Titanic was sinking. The story of the band playing is ingrained in Titanic history and Hartley (along with other members of his band) are considered heroes.

The violin was given to Wallace Hartley by his fiancee Maria Robinson in 1910 as an engagement gift. The violin was found strapped to Hartley’s body when recovered. She requested it be given to her, which it was, and later Hartley’s father gave her other personal effects. Robinson never married and died at age 59 in 1939. Her sister, Margaret, found the leather valise with WHH initials on it and a violin inside. The bag and violin were given to Salvation Army and its leader, Major Renwick, was told of its Titanic connection. A local music and violin teacher was given the valise by Renwick. The current owner’s mother, a member of Women’s’ Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) met the music teacher who gave her the valise and violin.

The violin is in good condition considering it was in the water for 10 days. It is water stained with two long cracks caused by moisture. A corroded silver plate on its base was key to confirming its authenticity.

The violin will eventually be auctioned off but right now it will be going to Belfast City Hall later this month for public exhibition. The Telegraph reports that museums, some in the U.S., are negotiating to put it on display. Other items in the valise will be auctioned off next month. This is one artifact worth making a trip to see. Should it be exhibited where you can get to go see it. This is a piece of Titanic history that many will have an unexpected emotion when they see it, remember the story of that terrible night, and of the love it represents.

Source: Violin Played On Titanic Revealed For First Time(14 Mar 2013, The Telegraph)

Titanic: Music As Heard on the Fateful Voyage

A Hymn for Eternity: The Story of Wallace Hartley, Titanic Bandmaster

Titanic Bandmaster Remembrance Book – Wallace Hartley

 

Titanic, Titanic Exhibitions, Titanic Miscellaneous

Titanic News for 13 Mar 2013

1. Anna Devine writing in Leavenworth Times about dogs aboard Titanic. One interesting story was that of Rigel, a labrador, who was helpful in getting Carpathia to stop. Rigel was swimming in the water ahead of a lifeboat and his barking alerted Rostron to stop his engines before hitting the lifeboat.

Source: Pet Talk: Hero Dog That Survived The Titanic(12 Mar 2013, Leavenworth Times)

2. RMS Titanic, Inc and Premier Exhibitions are suing Thomas Zaller, Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., and Imagine Exhibitions PTE, Ltd for ” conversion, contractual breach, unjust enrichment, fraud and fraudulent inducement, trade dress (Lanham Act), and misappropriation of trade secrets.” The suit, filed late last month in federal court in Atlanta, Georgia asserts Zeller stole intellectual property from its Titanic Exhibition in Singapore in 2011 to use in competing exhibitions in Macau and other places. Premiere seeks damages for the five counts alleged in its complaint. The complaint was filed on 26 Feb 2013 and Judge William Duffey has been assigned the case.

Source: Titanic Lawsuit Launched To Sink Competing Enterprise(8 Mar 2013, Lexology.com)


Titanic, Titanic Exhibitions, Titanic II

Sunday Titanic News

A pastor writes in the Beauregard Daily News  about how Titanic II is flirting with disaster. Not in the way most people think about Palmer’s project, but it repeats the same hubris that surrounded the original ship. Built as the greatest ship of its time and considered almost unsinkable, it showcased complacency on every level. And that to carelessness which led to the ship colliding with the iceberg and over 1,500 souls. Of all the many criticisms of Titanic II, actually this one makes the most sense.

Now many will not agree with his theology on the matter, but the essential point is about pride. And pride is one of those things that can lead to exactly what happened to Titanic. People were so confident in the technology they forgot to care about the dangers lurking right in front of them. You do not have to believe in Jesus to understand that point. They became too complacent with the dangers of not having enough lifeboats to evacuate passengers and crew. It was easy to not be concerned about pack ice because running into icebergs was a rare thing. The crew was not properly educated on this new ship and were unfamiliar with it leading to problems getting things done right. And you can go on. The lesson then as now is to watch yourself from falling into that trap. We face it in large and small ways.

In other news….

Billy Zane, who many recall from Cameron’s Titanic (perhaps the best role he ever had on screen), was asked recently if he would bring his two girls aboard Titanic II. He is quoted as saying “No. I’m not sure that I’d care to risk it.”  Okay Mr. Zane but when you get that invitation, I bet you are going to re-think it. The publicity alone is worth its weight in gold.

The Titanic Exhibition at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is being extended by one month due to popular demand. It now runs to 28 April. For information about prices, times and hours go to fwmuseum.org.

Sources:

1. Pastor’s Corner: For What It’s Worth, Let’s Consider, Are You Flirting With Disaster? (10 Mar 2013, Beauregard Daily News)
2. Billy Zane Says Clive Palmer’s Ship ‘A Risk’ (10 Mar 2013, Herald Sun)
3. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Extended To April 28 In Fort Worth(8 Mar 2013, Pegasus News)


Titanic, Titanic II

Sunday Titanic News

Clive Palmer and his plans for Titanic II still fill the news. At the press conference where the actual plans and pictures were revealed, he was asked if it was a hoax. His actual response cannot be printed here (this is a family-friendly forum) but it was a resounding no. Many are skeptical and rightly so. Building a Titanic replica will be very expensive but Palmer insists he will do it. Certainly the pictures of the proposed ship and its interiors are remarkable. He really does want to recreate Titanic by making it look like it was in 1912.

There will, of course, be some modern additions like a casino but normal luxuries like spas (there will be Turkish spas as on the original), televisions, outdoor pools, and Internet connections will be absent . As to what entertainment will be on Titanic II, Palmer is unclear. However one does not need to be clairvoyant they will likely try to sign some major stars (calling Celine Dion for one!) to do shows. I think a lot of well known comedy and musical performers will line up to perform on Titanic II.

Passengers can expect to find period clothing in their rooms and Palmer intends to sell packages that allow you to rotate through first, second, and third class. Titanic II will have less passengers than the original. Titanic and ships like her made money from cramming every nook and cranny to make money in the transatlantic trade. Today passengers are coming aboard for a holiday and ships are built differently. While large cruise ships can carry 2,800 passengers and up, smaller tonnage ships may just have 450.

Palmer likes to say sailing on Titanic II will be a chance to spend time with family. And he insists people are already lining up to buy tickets. Even better he expects people to line up to come aboard in port to have pictures taken on the bow to recreate a scene from the famous movie (you know that one, right?)

So is this for real? Many are skeptical but if anyone could pull this off, Palmer just might. As for Titanic II being in bad taste, he disputes that and says it will pay tribute to those who sailed on Titanic. The papers with the shipyard are scheduled to be signed in the next few weeks. Come 2016, the big news might very well the launch of Titanic II and possibly another Titanic replica down the road.

Some Recent Titanic II News Articles

1. Titanic II Is No Hoax, Insists Billionaire Mining Magnate(2 Mar 2013, Metro)
2. Titanic II ‘Not In Bad Taste’, Insists Maker(2 Mar 2013, Sky News)
3. The Titanic time warp: We knew it was being rebuilt, but as these amazing new designs show, it really WILL be 1912 all over again (Daily Mail, 2 Mar 2013)
4. New Titanic II liner Will Be So Successful A THIRD Titanic May Be Built Says Magnat(2 Mar 2013, Daily Echo
5. Australian To Build ’21st Century Titanic'(2 Mar 2013,Irish Times)*

*We no longer provide links to Republic of Ireland newspapers due to policy demanding payment for news links.

<


Titanic, Titanic Exhibitions, Titanic Miscellaneous

Sunday Titanic News

1. Campaign To Keep Colne’s Titanic Museum Afloat (24 Feb 2013, Lancashire Telegraph)
Colne’s Titanic in Lancashire Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to keep the attraction open. The museum is seeking £2,000 in funding to keep it going for another 12 months. They are seeking pledges from people who want to be support the facility through the ‘Please Fund Us’ charity website. Nigel Hampson, curator of the museum, said: “The Titanic In Lancashire Museum tells the story of the greatest sea disaster in history and the many Lancashire people who were caught up in this most iconic event. Anybody interested in supporting the museum should visit www.pleasefund.us/projects/titanic-in-lancashire-museum.

2. Titanic Artifacts Will Be On Display In New Mexico(24 Feb 2013, ABQ Journal)
And starting March 23, New Mexicans will, for the first time, be able to see that bar of soap and more than 120 other artifacts recovered from the vessel that still sits, broken in two, about 375 miles south of Newfoundland on a seabed miles below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. I think just how hard it is for a bar of soap to stay together for more than 70 years,” said Alexandra Klingelhofer, vice president of collections for Premier Exhibitions, the company that owns the archive. “That’s the story of Titanic. It’s that kind of connection that brings it home.” New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science staff is “all hands on deck” for the upcoming exhibit, called “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” which will showcase the rise and fall of the British passenger liner that was on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City when it struck an iceberg and sank.

Exhibit info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 23 Mar-27 Oct, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Tickets go on sale 15 Mar at NMNaturalHistory.org.

3. Funny or Ironic, You Decide
Whateverblog.dallasnews.com picked up funny picture from Facebook. Apparently a Titanic 3D Closed Water Damageplanned showing of Titanic 3D  was cancelled due to “water ingress.” I assume that means either a burst pipe or other water damage. At least no ark was necessary.

4. Titanic Cliche Alert: The Ikley Gazzette (UK) reports that Councillor Adrian Naylor called London relocating poor families to Bradford District akin to shifting deckchairs on Titanic. He said: “This doesn’t help Bradford in any way, shape or form. It is just like shifting deckchairs on the Titanic.” Okay,you own it. I suppose the “lifeboats” are the housing units that will never be or something similar. When will politicians learn to leave Titanic alone?


Titanic

Violin From Band Who Played As The Titanic Sunk To Be Auctioned

Wallace Hartley’s violin is going to be auctioned off, reports the Daily Mail. The violin has Wallace Hartleyundergone extensive scientific tests to determine its authenticity. So far, the violin has proved genuine but final tests confirming authenticity are still being done. The anonymous seller claims Maria Robinson, Hartley’s bereaved fiancé, retrieved the violin after his death. Hartley’s body and two other musicians were recovered and taken to Nova Scotia by CS Mackay-Bennett. Hartley’s body was returned to England and buried in Colne.

The violin, which reportedly was strapped to his body at time of recovery, was not itemized with his effects when his body was returned. It led to speculation that someone had taken the violin. Henry Aldridge and Son, who has auctioned off many Titanic items in the past, is the auctioneer for the violin. The Daily Mail reports the auctioneer has spent considerable money to have the violin authenticated. If authentic, it would command a very high price at auction. It might even, as some speculate, be the most expensive Titanic artifact ever auctioned (not counting of course the possible sale of the entire artifact collection from RMS Titanic).

Supporting evidence for the claim comes from Miss Robinson’s diary where she has a draft letter thanking the Nova Scotia authorities for allowing her to have the violin. The violin itself has an inscription on its tailpiece that says: “For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria.”

I hope the violin is authentic. It is a genuine piece of history and a reminder of love—and loss.

Source: Daily Mail, Violin From Band Who Played As The Titanic Sunk To Be Auctioned, 17 Feb 2013


Titanic, Titanic Exhibitions, Titanic II

Titanic News Saturday

1. Titanic Goes To Scotland
Titanic Honour and Glory has been a travelling exhibition since 2002, winning widespread acclaim for its comprehensive range of items that tell the ill-fated vessel’s story.The exhibition’s permanent home in Grangemouth is being opened by Christine Bole, whose uncle William Young Moyes was a member of the crew that perished on the liner’s maiden voyage. Sean Szmalc, museum curator, told STV news “People talk about Southampton, Liverpool, Belfast, but Scotland’s got a lot of Titanic connections and it’s something we should really be proud about and remember.”

Source: stv.tv, Museum Dedicated To Titanic’s Tragic Story Opens In Grangemouth, 15 Feb 2013

2. More P.R. About Titanic II From Clive Palmer
Clive Palmer, the Australian billionaire behind the proposed construction of a Titanic replica, is telling the press about all the inquiries he has gotten thus far. The ship has not even begun construction and already some are willing to put up $1 million to be on its maiden voyage. I suspect the whiff of creative writing on that. Perhaps he ought to invite Donald Trump to do a celebrity apprentice show aboard the new ship or have it included in an upcoming season of The Amazing Race.

Source: Fox News, Australian Billionaire’s Plan For Chinese-Built Titanic II Gets Flood Of Interest, 16 Feb 2013


Titanic

Friday Titanic Wrap-Up

1. The Titanic Museum at Pigeon Forge has announced the first ever Titanic Author’s Week from 1 April-7 April 2013. Each day between 10 A.M.-7P.M. noted Titanic authors will be available to converse with the public about their Titanic books. Each author will have their own tented reception area. The event is free and photos with the authors will be allowed. Books purchased at the event comes with a discount in the admission price to the Titanic Museum. For further information and authors scheduled to attend, go to www.titanicattraction.com.

Source: Fort Mills Times, Titanic Museum Attraction to host first annual Titanic Authors’ Week April 1-7 in Pigeon Forge, 13 Feb 2013

2. Cobh (Queenstown when Titanic made her last stop in 1912) is looking to develop its Titanic connection as well as to Lusitania. The proposed programme will tie in other Titanic commemorations that are held at Titanic Experience, the Cobh Museum, and Cobh Heritage Centre.

Source: Cork News, Cobh Businesses Launch Project Titanic, 15 Feb 2013*

*We no longer provide links to Republic of Ireland newspapers in protest to demanding payments for links.