Tag Archives: Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition

Luxor Titanic Exhibit To Extend Showing of Rare Artifacts

Image:Premier Exhibitions
Image:Premier Exhibitions

Seven rare artifacts will have an extended stay at the Titanic exhibit at the Luxor Hotel & Casino until August 1, 2016. Those items are:

  • Declaration of Intention Form: 2nd class passenger Franz Pulbaum, a machinist originally from Germany, clearly intended to become a U.S. citizen upon his return to New York City. He had been on a business trip to Luna Park amusement park in Paris. The form would have been used to allow him a smooth disembarkation. Pulbaum’s signature and personal information is still legible on the naturalization form. Pulbaum never became a U.S. citizen, he went down with Titanic.
  • White Star Line Receipt for “One canary in Cage”: Recovered from Marion Meanwell’s alligator purse, this small receipt fragment appears to confirm that 3rd class passenger, Mrs. Meanwell (nee Mary Ann Ogden), a milliner from Eastbourne Sussex, England agreed to transport a relative’s canary from Southampton to Cherbourg. Additional information suggests that Chief Purser Hugh Walter McElroy took responsibility for the bird, while transport payment was provided by Mrs. Meanwell.
  • Cotton Pajamas: This pair of men’s pajamas is made of white cotton with blue stripes. No maker marks were found, they are a size medium with button shirt and drawstring bottoms. The deterioration around the neck and body appear to reflect normal wear and tear.
  • Pair of Gloves: This degraded pair of cotton gloves was originally white and probably belonged to a gentleman. They are still attached at the cuff, so they had not yet been worn. The gloves were recovered from a suitcase containing unmarked pajamas, jackets, and other clothing.
  • Waiter’s Pad Blank Page: Waiters from the exclusive à la carte restaurant on board would jot down lunch and dinner orders on pads such as this for the chefs to prepare in the galley. Unlike the First Class Dining Saloon, which cooked in larger quantities, the à la carte restaurant prepared each individual meal to order.
  • Pair of Socks: This is one of three pairs of cotton and silk socks recovered from a single suitcase. These were neatly folded by the owner for his Titanic journey. While the clothing in this passenger’s suitcase was of good quality, these socks have been darned in several places, showing a thrifty character as well.
  • Left Shoe: This men’s leather shoe fragment consists of the welt, top cap and partial quarter with the insole. Attesting to the meticulous care under which all artifacts are conserved, this shoe has never been previously exhibited due to its fragile condition.

After August 1 they are scheduled to return to the conservation facility where they will only be available to researchers.

Titanic Tidbits

Summer is here so Titanic themed news tends to get thin.

RMS Olympic First Class Lounge (1912) Photo: Robert John Welch (1859-1936), official photographer for Harland & Wolff Public Domain
RMS Olympic First Class Lounge (1912)
Photo: Robert John Welch (1859-1936), official photographer for Harland & Wolff
Public Domain

1. William Barrows, ship steward aboard Titanic, wrote a short note to his sister Mary about Titanic. He had landed the job as steward in the ship’s First Class Lounge. His note indicates he was happy to be aboard although he would need a better fitting waiting jacket in the future. He signed off the letter with “Love & best wishes to all, Your affectionate brother Will. Place all laundry and things in middle draw in the chest of drawers in my room.” In many ways, it tells more about the loss of life than some of the books out there. The letter and other items associated with it are up for auction at Adam Partridge Auctioneers in Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
Source:Poignant Titanic letter written by doomed crewman reveals his ‘excitement’ at joining ship(Daily Mirror,26 June 2016)

2. The Irish News recently reported that “The wreck of the Titanic could be put up for sale after the company that owns it went bust.” Call Douglas Wooley! He is the chap who claims he actually owns the wreck (and probably does) and believes the U.S court has no jurisdiction over his property. Actually what might be auctioned off are items from the French Collection outside the salvage award in the U.S. court. Might want to do better fact checking next time.
Source: Titanic wreck could be sold(Irish News,29 June 2016)

3. Billy Zane believes his character Cal had found redemption at the end and that Rose would have been with him. Should keep a lot of fans up late at night texting about that.

4. Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition opened at the Portland Science Center in Maine. No word yet on the numbers but one expects it will draw a considerable number of people to it. The exhibition will likely run until the Fall (no firm date given for its end).

5. Being summer outdoor grilling becomes a common occurrence. Just like deep frying turkey for Thanksgiving, there are safety rules to follow. A video from the National Fire Protection Association covers much of what you need to know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65RCHLNIKa8

Of course if you need some help on grilling the perfect burger, here is a video featuring Alton Brown from the Food Network.

Premier Exhibitions Seeks Reorganization in Bankruptcy Court

PremierExhibitionslogoPremier Exhibitions, the owner of RMS Titanic Inc and operates many touring exhibitions that includes Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company states in its press release:

United_States_Bankruptcy_Court_SealDespite aggressive efforts to manage these issues, the burden of the
Company’s lease in New York City and other legacy business issues remain obstacles to the Company’s ability to conduct business. Faced with these obstacles and upcoming lease payments due, the company has
determined that it would be in the best interest of its stakeholders to
file for reorganization relief under Chapter 11. Operating under the
protection of Chapter 11 will provide the company’s most important
vendors with assurances that they will be paid. Further, the company
intends to create a restructuring plan that should allow Premier to
emerge as a stronger business. Further, as part of its restructuring
efforts, the company will continue to assess the productivity of all
assets, review additional cost-cutting initiatives and explore strategic
alternatives to maximize the value of the business.

Well this is both good and bad news for shareholders. Shareholders have seen the value of their shares fall (and suffered a double bounce as well)considerably. But the voluntary move to reorganize the company in bankruptcy court means it can reduce the liabilities causing it considerable problems. It also means they must open their books up for the court to examine (which will use independent auditors)to determine what the assets and liabilities are. Secured creditors will get paid but how much will be determined by the court.

Of course there is one big asset namely the Titanic Artifact Collection. And the bankruptcy court will now be handling its disposition. Interesting to see how that plays out down the road.

Sources:
1.Premier Exhibitions, Inc. to Reorganize Under Chapter 11 (Nasdaq
Globe Newswire, 14 June 2016)
2. Premier Exhibitions in Chapter 11 bankruptcy (Atlanta Journal Constitution, 14 June 2016)

Information:
Bankruptcy(U.S.Courts.gov)
Learn about bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11) for consumers and business owners.(Nolo.com)

Buena Park Titanic Exhibit Gets Reprieve Till April 17

Movieland Wax Museum, Buena Park, Nov. 1963 Photo courtesy Orange County Archives
Movieland Wax Museum, Buena Park, Nov. 1963
Photo courtesy Orange County Archives

The Titanic and Bodies exhibitions at the former Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, California has gotten a reprieve. It was scheduled to shut down in January but the new owner is finding getting all the required approvals taking longer than anticipated. So the current owners, the City of Buena Park, contacted Premier Exhibitions and asked them to stay till 17 April 2016. This is good news for Titanic fans wanting to visit the exhibit in Buena Park and gives more time for Premier to locate a new home for the exhibits at Movieland.

According to Orange County Register, the announcement that it was closing in January brought in record numbers of people. The announcement that was being extended till April has seen reservations soar and January is nearly sold out. While the rent for the facility was a bargain $1 a month, Premier had to spend thousands to upgrade and maintain the facility. When the new owners finally take over, the venue will be modeled after the Butterfly Wonderland park in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Further information about purchasing tickets for Buena Park can be found at the Premier Exhibitions website.

Source: ‘Bodies’ and ‘Titanic’ exhibits to stick around Buena Park until April
(Orange County Register,11 Jan 2016)


Titanic Tidbits

1)The 103 anniversary of Titanic sinking was commemorated in Belfast with a traditional wreath laying ceremony and a moment of silence. According to the Belfast Telegraph, there were many international visitors present. The International Ice Patrol held its yearly memorial service as well and dropped a wreath from a plane over the spot where Titanic sank.
Sources:
1. Titanic Memorial Service At Belfast City Hall Marks 103rd Anniversary Of Sinking(15 April 2015,Belfast Telegraph)
2. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol Commemorates Sinking Of Titanic(15 April 2015, Military.com)

Photo:public domain
Photo:public domain

2)30 James Street (Albion House) which once housed the White Star Line offices in Liverpool, had special tribute dinner that included many connected to Titanic. The descendents of Carpathia captain Arthur Rostron were amongst those present at the dinner. All 63 rooms of the Titanic themed hotel were opened and those who had proven connections were given a free overnight stay. The hotel has received favorable reviews on several online review sites.
Source: Titanic Sinking Anniversary Marked At Tribute Evening(15 April 2015,Liverpool Echo)

Public Domain
Public Domain

3) Father Thomas Byles perished on Titanic remaining aboard to pray with fellow passengers. There is a call to have him proclaimed a martyr of the church, the first step towards possible sainthood. Father Graham Smith calls him “an extraordinary man who gave his life for others.”
Source:Titanic Priest Father Thomas Byles ‘Should Be Sainted’(12 April 2015,BBC)

Public Domain
Public Domain

4)After being fully restored by the Nomadic Charitable Trust,the last remaining ship of the White Star Line has been transferred to Titanic Belfast. The Nomadic was used to ferry passengers in Cherbourg, France to Titanic.  After its use with White Star ended, the former ferry ended up as a restaurant and then left to rot before being brought to Belfast to be restored. Though open for the past two years, it now is formally part of Titanic Belfast.
Source:Titanic Belfast Takes Over SS Nomadic(9 April 2015,BBC)

5)The Peoria Riverfront Museum has secured Titanic:The Artifact Exhbition as an exhibit in 2016. It will run from 12 Nov 2016 until March 2017.
Source: Peoria Riverfront Museum Secures Titanic Exhibit For 2016 (13 April 2015, Journal Star)

6)Barrie Clarke solved a mystery of where some Titanic headstones came from. When Halifax decide to replace a stone marker, they could not identify where it came from. Enter Clarke, a professor at Dalhousie University, who decided to play a sleuth. His journey to find the quarry was not easy since many closed long ago. Eventually he found it and testing proved the granite matched the headstones in Halifax .
Source: Titanic Gravestone Mystery Led To Five Year Search(22 April 2015,CBC)

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Rare Cherub Statue Makes Las Vegas Debut

PR Newswire
PR Newswire

Now on display at Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas is a rare cherub statue that was recovered from the wreck. It is rare as it is the only one recovered from the wreck and comes from the 1987 dive expedition. It possibly was a light fixture from a side post in the aft staircase that connected C Deck to the Promenade Deck. It wil be on display through 28 February and can be viewed by anyone purchasing a general admission ticket. For hours of operation and cost, go to  www.premierexhibitions.com.

Source: Rare Cherub Statue Makes Its Las Vegas Debut at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Inside Luxor Hotel and Casino(6 Feb 2015,CNN Money)

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Titanic News: Titanic Exhibition At South Florida Science Center Draws Huge Numbers, International Ice Patrol Holds Titanic Memorial

South Florida Science Center & Aquarium Photo:Joe(Wikipedia)
South Florida Science Center & Aquarium
Photo:Joe(Wikipedia)

1. The Palm Beach Daily News reports that the recent Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition at South Florida Science and Aquarium was the most successful exhibition in its history. 61, 158 people attended the center during its run compared to 28,270 last year. Revenue from ticket sales during the exhibition’s run totaled $535,000. The exhibition itself cost $350,00 but was offset by grants and after expenses South Florida nets $500,000. “The exhibition drew a geographically wider audience than previous exhibits. We had a lot of visitors from out of town, and the second element was the Titanic exhibit’s appeal not only to kids but to adults and to seniors — a much wider age range than we’ve seen in the past,” said Matt Lorentzen, chairman of the governing body overseeing South Florida Science and Aquarium.
Source: ‘Titanic’ Called Most Successful Exhibit For Science Center(28 April 2014,Palm Beach Daily News)

International Ice Patrol Photo:U.S.Coast Guard
International Ice Patrol
Photo:U.S.Coast Guard

2. The International Ice Patrol had its annual memorial ceremony on 16 April to remember those who perished aboard RMS Titanic in 1912. One of the significant changes resulting from it was the creation of the International Ice Patrol to prevent such catastrophes from occurring again. And except for 2 world wars, the IIP has continuously operated and no loss of life has resulted from an iceberg collision in the areas it patrols. Data is collected via air reconnaissance and ship reports. Data is fed into into a computer at the IIP operations center to provide predicted iceberg locations for ships at sea. The U.S. Coast Guard administers the IIP under legislation enacted by Congress in 1936. The IIP Operations Center is in New London, Connecticut while the air reconnaissance aircraft operate out of Newfoundland.
Sources:
1. Ice Patrol Holds Titanic Ceremony(28 April 2014,The Day)
2. International Ice Patrol (U.S. Coast Guard)
3. International Ice Patrol (Wikipedia)

Okay We Thought It Was Belfast, England, Las Vegas….Now Atlanta; Update On Titanic Exhibit Allegedly Shut Down By Water

Another day, another city where a Titanic exhibition may have been shut down by a water leak. The Daily Mail is reporting they think it was the Titanic exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia. That exhibition is at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA along with the Bodies exhibition. However Daily Mail is cautious and in the bullet points notes:

  • Exhibition believed to be taking place in Atlanta, USA
  • Not known when sign was put up or for how long exhibition was closed

Which means they are dart throwing and hoping it lands in the right place. I checked the Twitter page for this exhibition and found no mention (thus far) of any closure due to water. There are other cities out there with Titanic exhibitions. Let’s spin the wheel and see where it takes us next.

Wonder how that Titanic sinking hotel is doing these days. 🙂

Sources: Sunk Again! Titanic Exhibition ‘Closed Due To WATER DAMAGE‘(7 November 2o13,Daily Mail)

Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition-Atlanta

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Reminder: Titanic Exhibition Opens In South Florida This Month

Photo courtesy George Behe

Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition will be at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium starting 16 November and runs to 20 April 2014. Tickets: $15 adults/$11.50 for kids 3-13/$13.50 seniors (62+). Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission includes Titanic exhibit and admission to rest of Science center. Further information is at sfsciencecenter.org.


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Tickets Go On Sale For Lexington Center Museum Titanic Exhibit In October

 Grand Staircase RMS OlympicTickets are now on sale for the upcoming Titanic:The Artifact Exhibition that will be held at Lexington Center Museum (Lexington, Kentucky) from 5 Oct 2013-26 Jan 2014. Adults (14 and up) $12, Children $9, Seniors $10.00. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended. For information, hours, and to purchase tickets, go to lexmuseum.com.

Sources:
1. Tickets NOW On-Sale For Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition(20 Aug 2013,Lex18.com)
2. Lexington Center Museum & Gallery