Titanic Artifact Exhibition Wows Atlanta
This past weekend I had the chance to attend the Titanic Artifact Exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center. Though at first it seemed a bit pricey at $20 per person, by the end of the tour it was worth every dime I spent.
The RMS Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912. After short stops in Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown, Ireland, Titanic was steaming across the northern Atlantic to her final destination in New York Harbor.
But she never arrived.
Shortly before midnight on April 14th, Titanic struck an iceberg and sank two hours and 40 minutes later on April 15, 1912. More than 1,500 souls perished in the sinking ... only 705 would be saved.
The most famous shipwreck in maritime history, Titanic remained at the bottom of the northern Atlantic for 73 years before being discovered during a joint American-French expedition in 1985. With this landmark discovery came answers to some of the many questions surrounding Titanic's sinking; and with her discovery came historical artifacts connecting today with yesterday's personal stories of the past.
Surrounding the wreck was a large debris field of personal effects, furniture, clothing, dinnerware, and actual pieces of the ship. Some of this debris was brought to the surface, preserved and cataloged, and is now on display at the Atlanta Civic Center.
From the deck bell struck by Frederick Fleet signaling the bridge there was an "iceberg right ahead" to the telegraph top used on the actual bridge of the ship, you won't be disappointed in this exhibit. Furniture, jewelry, personal papers, and clothing are some of the 300-plus items on display, as well as dinnerware used in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd glass dining rooms. You'll view an actual replica of a 1st class cabin, step below the upper decks to 3rd class accommodations, and view cargo records in a mock replica of the cargo hold of the ship. You'll stand on the bridge and view ice warnings sent in from ships across the northern Atlantic on that fateful night. You will also be able to touch a real, man-made iceberg as a detailed re-enactment and timeline of the sinking of the ship plays on television screens overhead.
In an effort to celebrate the lives of Titanic's passengers and crew, you will also be handed a replica of an actual White Star Line boarding pass for Titanic at the beginning of your tour. On the back will be the name of a passenger, along with his/her age, hometown residence, cabin number on Titanic, traveling companions, and any other information available on your passenger. At the
completion of the tour, you will be able to check the "Saved" and "Lost" list to determine if your passenger was among those who were rescued or was one who perished at sea. This helps you make a personal connection to Titanic, her people, and her artifacts in a way you would not have thought possible before.
Well worth the money, this is one historical connection to the past you won't want to miss.
The Titanic Artifact Exhibition is on display at the Atlanta Civic Center through June 2007.
Admission
The exhibition is open 7 days a week:
Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
No cameras are allowed.
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $20
Children: $16
Seniors (65+): $18
School Groups: $10 (There are also adult group rates available.)
Additional Audio Tour: $6 (in addition to original ticket price)
Tickets can be purchased at www.titanictix.com, or call 1 (866) 640-0303.
For additional information, please visit RMSTitanic.net.
