Since 1985, there have been several deep-water expeditions retrieving artifacts and various parts and sections of the Titanic itself. Exhibitions have attracted vistors across the globe.
The approximately 45-minute long IMAX presentation of recovery efforts was informative, as well as creating a sense of wonder how some items were still intact following their descent to the ocean floor and decades lying in wait for discovery.
The streamlined bow had planed off at about 2,000 feet below the surface and, therefore, slowed its downward voyage creating a relatively gentle landing. The stern, on the other hand, made a violent plunge to the ocean floor with the hull tearing apart due to massive implosions caused by air compression. It smashed bottom at considerable speed, grinding the hull deep into the silt.
While not a huge exhibit, the one at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg, PA, does provide a very good overall perspective of that fateful voyage.
That some items survived is somewhat remarkable.
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| Titanic Propeller on the ocean's floor |
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| Titanic Champagne Bottles (in tact) |
My ticket was for Wallace Berry Hartley, violinist and the orchestra leader. He was berthed in 2nd class accomodations and was assigned cabin E-109.
According to the information provided, Wallace and the other musicians had been contracted with another company and only two days prior to the launch were informed they would be playing on the Titanic. He, of course, did not survive. Another little tidbit on my ticket was that Wallace had previously made 80 crossings of the Atlantic Ocean.
Another interesting fact: the cost of 3rd class passage on the Titanic, in pretty tight quarters, is the equivalent to $900 today.
If you are at all a person who enjoys history, making the trip to see a Titanic exhibit is well worth the price of admission.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
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