2008 EXHIBITION

15 MARCH – 2 NOVEMBER

TITANIC – The Ship That Shook America

The latest ‘stunner’ exhibition (TITANIC - The Ship That Shook America,) commemorates the glamour and tragedy of the great Atlantic liner.

In partnership with world-leading Titanic auctioneers, Henry Aldridge and Son, the American Museum has gained access to private collections of Titanic memorabilia in Europe and America, including the renowned Raffield collection.

“The great Titanic collectors form an exclusive club,” comments curator, Laura Beresford, “If we didn’t have the Aldridges on board, we would never have had the chance to display these amazing objects.  They remind us of the individuals behind the statistics.” 

In memory of the tragic event of 96 years ago, when the TITANIC disappeared under the waves of the North Atlantic, the BBC Archive has pulled out many sound bites for listeners about the sinking of the Titanic.  To listen please activate the link www.bbc.co.uk/archive/titanic

As part of the continuing rotation of objects on display in our Titanic exhibition, more artefacts from the collection of Lillian Asplund – the last American survivor - will be on view from June. 

Carl and Selma Asplund (Lillian’s parents) had both immigrated to America in the early 1890s.  Family commitments prompted them to return to Sweden in 1907 but they decided to return to Massachusetts, with their five children, in 1912 – travelling across the Atlantic on the Titanic.

During the last chaotic moments of the sinking, the Asplund family gathered together to die.  Suddenly a stranger scooped up Lillian and her youngest brother, Felix, and threw them into Lifeboat 15.  A cry from below called for the children’s mother.  Crew members abruptly dragged Selma into the boat; away from her husband and remaining children on deck, including Lillian’s twin brother.  Selma never saw any of them alive again.

Carl Asplund’s body was later recovered by the Mackay-Bennett, a steamer commissioned to retrieve the Titanic’s dead.  Items found on his body – his pocket book, letters promising him work in America, keys to the family’s silver chests in storage and other personal items – will be on display with Selma’s wedding ring

Over 1,500 perished in the tragedy – more than 1,200 of whom were third class passengers and members of the crew.  Just over 700 people survived.

The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to see First, Second and Third Class menus displayed together.  The Third Class example is of tremendous interest since it is dated 14 April 1912.  Just before midnight that very evening, Titanic struck the iceberg and sunk. 

Other poignant reminders of the tragedy include onboard letters and cards posted from Titanic in Ireland – its last stop in Europe before heading across the Atlantic. 

Third Class passenger Eliza Johnston of Glasgow, for instance, wrote home to say that her excited children were “slapping about like flags”.  All of the Johnston family perished. 

Discharge books of crew members who survived are also on view; as well as marconigrams sent from the rescue ship, Carpathia – all of which vividly represent the events of that black night. 

(Please note that photography, recording of any kind and mobile phone use is strictly prohibited throughout the museum.)