The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza unveiled Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition on Oct.17, attracting many Boston residents to explore the historic wonder of one of the most famous and tragic disasters of all time.
The exhibit, which spans over 15,000 square feet, begins with visitors receiving a replica boarding pass, each one of a real passenger who made the journey on the Titanic. This interactive feature is a great way to get visitors engaged as well as commemorate the victims who were lost in the devastating accident, making sure their names and faces are remembered.
Walking through the exhibit takes visitors through the chronological sequence of events that led up to the sinking of the RMS Titanic, beginning with the day of departure. Many facts about the ship itself and photos of passengers are incorporated in the exhibition, from first class citizens to employees of the large vessel. One included a moving quote from first class passenger Benjamin Guggenheim, which beautifully articulates the emotion of the final moments on the ship.
“We are dressed in our best and prepared to go down like gentlemen,” said Guggenheim.
Another quote featured is one that communicates the devastating losses suffered by not only those on the ship, but their families as well. Second class passenger Charlotte Collyer, who was rescued along with her daughter, commented on the pain of losing her husband after being rescued.
‘Women and children first! Someone was shouting these last few words over and over again…They meant my own safety but they also meant the greatest loss I’ve ever suffered—the life of my husband,” said Collyer.
Replica versions of rooms and architecture can also be found throughout the museum, all of which are carefully recreated to match those found on the real Titanic. It includes a look at first and third class cabins and a full-scale imitation of the iconic grand staircase.
There are also many artifacts on display, recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic ocean where the Titanic lies to this day. Each artifact is displayed with a plaque that describes the function and purpose of the item held on the ship. There was a wide range of objects including clothing, dishware and even money, which have all been carefully and respectfully preserved for public viewing and historical research.
Another fascinating aspect of this exhibit is a model iceberg, emulating the one the Titanic famously crashed into, ending in its eventual sinking. Viewers can go up and touch the iceberg, which is accompanied by a plaque that explains that the ocean waters were much colder on the night of the sinking than the iceberg. Due to this, most of the victims lost that night died by hypothermia rather than drowning. This part of the exhibit gives its viewers a very real and unique insight into the Titanic experience.
This detailed and carefully curated exhibit gives viewers an intuitive perspective into what it may have felt like to be a passenger on the RMS Titanic. Walking through feels like going back in time, spanning over 110 years of historical findings and recovered items. When you visit this exhibition, you are standing in a piece of history.
The exhibit is open Wednesday through Sunday from now until February. More information on ticket pricing, time slots and their FAQ can be found on the website.
