Titanic exhibit opening at Carnegie Science Center
Howard Irwin packed a trunk that made it on the Titanic, but he never boarded the ship.
The Buffalo, N.Y., resident’s belongings were found on the ocean floor, including one item with a Pittsburgh connection.
“That is a Pittsburgh postcard,” said James Penca, a historian and consultant for RMS Titanic Inc., the company that recovered thousands of items from the shipwreck, including some that are being displayed at the Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. “Howard Irwin is a well-known Titanic passenger. It’s a mystery why he missed the boat, but his possessions are fascinating.”
Among them was that postcard and a gold fountain pen discovered after 80 years on the ocean floor, said Penca as he stood inside “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” during a media tour Thursday.
The exhibit opens on Saturday.
Penca said there were at least three “Pittsburghese” passengers aboard the British luxury steamship that sank on April 15, 1912, off the coast of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic after sideswiping an iceberg. The Steel City was a destination for many immigrants, Penca said.
Of the 2,000-plus passengers and crew on board, more than 1,500 died. Visitors to the Science Center can learn about some of the people through the more than 150 items.
Penca has devoted more than 25 years researching the Titanic. He has a theory as to why the Titanic is still relevant after 111 years since the wreck and 25 since the movie debuted: “Human beings are storytellers at heart. And this is the greatest story of all time. There is no other story like it. These artifacts were taken off the ocean floor, and now they are right here in front of you.”
Being able to get a closer view of the items and the ship itself was most likely why the Titan submersible took the voyage in June, Penca said.
“There is an interest here for literally anybody,” Penca said. “The unfortunate victims of the implosion were no different. They wanted to see the Titanic. There was an added bonus of an adventure to go to the ocean floor. It is no surprise they were interested.”
He said although diving to the wreck is a very safe operation at this point, diving to that depth — 2.5 miles down in the North Atlantic Ocean — will always pose a risk.
“Just like going to space,” Penca said.
According to an Associated Press report, the Titan submersible’s five occupants most likely died instantly.
The Associated Press reported that RMS Titanic Inc. canceled plans to retrieve more artifacts from the site because the leader of the upcoming expedition died in the Titan submersible implosion.
RMS Titanic Inc. has recovered and conserved more than 5,500 artifacts since 1987.
As guests enter the exhibit, they will receive a replica boarding pass, assume the role of a passenger and follow a journey through life on the Titanic from the ship’s construction and life on board to the sinking.
They will learn stories of people such as Edgar Andrew, who purchased a pair of men’s opera pumps in Bournemouth, England, with a grosgrain bow, designed to be worn by men on formal occasions, attendance at the opera or at dances.
White Star Line operated the Titanic and moved up Andrew’s departure due to a coal strike, which happened to a lot of passengers, Penca said. Andrew was upset and wrote, “Right now I wish Titanic were lying on the bottom of the ocean.”
It did end up there — with Andrew’s shoes — despite several warnings of icebergs ahead, but this was industry standard, Penca said. “Every ship was doing this,” he said, meaning the other ships weren’t heeding the warnings of icebergs and continued on their way.
That footwear is part of the exhibition that has been viewed by more than 30 million people worldwide, according to the Science Center.
Other items encased in glass are a telegraph mechanism, delicate Saalfeld perfume vials and labels, playing cards, passenger jewelry and even au gratin dishes discovered in an almost perfect stack.
“The exhibition weaves together the realms of history, archaeology and oceanography, perfectly aligning with our commitment to fostering scientific education and exploration,” said Jason Brown, Henry Buhl Jr. director of the Carnegie Science Center. “Andrew Carnegie created museums because he wanted to give the region and the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania the opportunity to see things they might not otherwise be able to see. This exhibit really takes you inside, not only inside the ship, but to the people and the lifestyle on the ship. I love the connection to all the stories of the passengers.”
There are full-scale room re-creations and an opportunity to feel how cold the water was on the fateful night through a simulated iceberg. There is a smoking room chandelier, hot and cold water bath valves, floor tiles, a shaving brush and razor. There were 1,500 bottles of wine and 20,000 bottles of beer brought onboard, and some were recovered. An engine thermometer and sauce pans and other kitchen equipment were found.
The reason some items have been preserved and others haven’t is sheer science, Penca said. Wood doesn’t last long because organisms can eat it. They’ve also found some organisms that have eaten steel and metal.
Paper can last if it is protected, which is most likely what saved that postcard of the Pittsburgh Railroad Station.
“We know Howard was going on a world tour and must have visited Pittsburgh at some point,” he said. “That postcard was found in his trunk. It was protected and survived.”
The exhibit runs through April 15. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children 3 to 12. Children 2 and younger are free.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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