DON’T MISS THE BOAT!
Science Center to host final event on April 15th before Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition sets sail
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is preparing to bid a proper farewell to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition by throwing the exhibit its own bon voyage on April 15, 2014, the 102nd anniversary of the sinking of Titanic. Taking place from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., guests will be treated to Titanic reenactors, including the infamous Molly Brown, crew from the Marconi Radio Room and a special panel discussion given by local residents with direct connections to the famous Ship. The panel discussion will begin promptly at 11 a.m.
On April 15, 1912, RMS Titanic, the world’s largest ship, sank after colliding with an iceberg claiming more than 1,500 lives and subsequently altering the world’s confidence in modern technology. The South Florida Science Center is currently hosting nearly 100 legendary artifacts conserved from the Ship’s debris field, offering a poignant look at this iconic Ship and its passengers. Officially setting sail on April 20, the Science Center’s first blockbuster exhibit in its expanded space will offer visitors a last chance to step back in time and become part of Titanic’s 102nd year journey. Artifacts on display include perfume vials, china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line and a chandelier, among others. The objects offer a haunting and emotional connection to the lives that were abruptly ended or forever altered.
As part of the anniversary festivities, a panel of three local residents will share their stories about their direct personal connections to the infamous Ship. Randi Lundi, a Tequesta resident, recalls hearing his grandmother, third-class passenger Anna Sophia Turja, openly speak about her experience on board and her reason for traveling to the United States – to meet her sister, who had sent her an $18 ticket. Jane Napier, a resident of Jupiter, is the granddaughter of Stanley Henry Fox, a second-class passenger whose story was made famous by the mysterious events that took place after his untimely death on board Titanic. Trish Rowland, a Delray Beach native, is the granddaughter of Frederick James McCarty, a first-class petty steward that left behind a wife and three children, along with a photograph taken the day the Ship set sail, which Trish still possesses.
“Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is the largest exhibit we have ever hosted,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center CEO. “It seemed only appropriate that we host one more event as a ‘last call’ to anyone who still has not had an opportunity to see the exhibit. Involving locals with a Titanic connection adds yet another emotional and human layer to the collection of artifacts. As a whole, Titanic attracted a broader audience than we have seen in any other exhibit here, and we look forward to expanding that reach with future blockbuster exhibits. On May 5 we debut Mazes and look forward to hosting new audiences for this fun and interactive new exhibit.”
With a mission to “open every mind to science,” the Science Center features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit. All exhibits are open during the Titanic’s special showing.
For more information about the anniversary event, please call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.