Welcome! The Titanic Historical Society, Inc. (THS), established in 1963, is the premier source for Titanic and White Star Line information. THS is the original and largest Titanic society in the world. Nearing the half-century mark, our mission of preserving the great ship’s history can be seen in our outstanding publications, Titanic Museum and annual themed events.
Our experienced and knowledgeable officers and members include maritime historians, authors, artists, etc. who have been consultants and/or actively worked on numerous Robert Ballard (Nat Geo) and James Cameron (Fox/Discovery) projects, not to mention History Channel investigations et al., the THS has already proved itself a worthy source of qualified researchers. In addition, the THS has one of the largest available Titanic/White Star related photographic archives in the world.
People of all ages and all countries who love the ship and her story are invited to join THS as members and receive the incomparable Titanic Commutator. The Titanic Museum’s superb collection in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, was the first permanent exhibition of rare Titanic artifacts and documents donated by survivors. Become a member, tour our Museum and visit our Museum Shop online or in person. Enter curious, leave inspired.
The Titanic Historical Society 2012 Desk Diary is a beautiful yet practical accessory for your office, personal desk at home or at school. There are dozens of photos of the Titanic story in color and black and white of well-known and little known images from the Titanic Historical Society collection. Each archival picture includes interesting and informative descriptions telling Titanic’s story from conception, building, voyage, sinking and the aftermath in chronological order. As you turn each page of the diary showing a week at a glance with a large space to jot down important reminders, you will have additional useful information––holidays, phases of the moon and the current and previous month at your fingertips. Design and text is by Tide-mark Press Ltd., makers of fine publications for museums, gift shops, etc. Printed on heavy, glossy stock, and spiral bound for ease when turning pages and lying flat, this handsome desk diary makes a perfect gift and is reasonably priced. Softcover. 6 X 9 inches.
THS Commemorates Titanic’s 100th Anniversary
TITANIC CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL
Click here to read more.
The Latest Titanic Commutator (No. 197) is Here!
49 Years of Continuous Publication
UNSINKABLE YEAR - UNSINKABLE SHIP. This is the first issue for 2012 and it is truly a year we have been anticipating. In our minds, Titanic has proven unsinkable (literally). There are hundreds of commemoration programs and activities taking place worldwide and a slew of books have been coming out which makes people wonder if there is anything new under the sun on Titanic? We think we have found one. The word “unsinkable” connected with Titanic has generally been used as a term of exaggerated pride from passengers or crew or media hubris. After all, how could an intelligent person believe a ship is unsinkable and where did the term regarding the ship begin? The original story inside, Unsinkable Ships, opens doors to its origin and rationale and, labeling Titanic “unsinkable” or “practically unsinkable” wasn’t new or unusual; rather, it was late in the game.
Our visits when the late Mike Rudd hosted Titanic Heritage Tours were memorable and we were fortunate to see Harland & Wolff before many of the buildings were torn down and the area forever changed. Naturally we wondered what it was like to be there while Olympic and Titanic were building. It is impossible to do that but excerpts inside from a little book titled “A Day in a Shipyard.” is as good as it gets. The text is a virtual guided tour written especially for young adults. Published in 1910 and reprinted in 1931, mechanical and technical jargon is omitted and descriptions are easily understood. The shipyard and ship is not named but it is obvious the yard is Harland & Wolff and the ship described is Olympic. In this issue we will concentrate on her keel and riveting.
The Titanic Commutator No. 196
This is the final issue for 2011 and our readers have a wonderful variety of articles to choose from. The featured story is about a famous building still in London under another name––however a century ago without a doubt, Oceanic House was a landmark and will always be associated with one man and two steamships. J. Bruce Ismay, as President of the IMMCo and Chairman and Managing Director of White Star, was instrumental in acquiring the site for the combined companies in the centre of London. Following his late father and the design and construction of 30 James Street, at the height of the Victorian era, the son wished to mark his tenure at the head of White Star and IMMCo with an equally impressive structure. Always in the shadow of his father, Oceanic House, with its exuberance of decoration, was a design Thomas Ismay would probably have disapproved of; nevertheless it symbolized his son’s determination in an age of excess in ornamentation to make a lasting impression. Oceanic House, the name chosen for the West End offices would represent not just White Star as the leading line in the combine but all the IMMCo companies including Holland-America. Paul Louden-Brown chronicles the building’s fascinating story.
While history has given prominence to coverage of the Titanic disaster by male reporters Carlos Hurd (New York Evening World/St. Louis Post-Dispatch), Jim Speers (New York Times) and Jack Binns (New York American), editors Charles E. Chapin (New York Evening World) Carr Van Anda (New York Times), and Ogden M. Reid (New York Tribune), and publishers Ralph Pulitzer (New York World), Adolph Ochs (New York Times), James Gordon Bennett Jr. (New York Herald), and William Randolph Hearst (New York Journal), extraordinary reporting of the ‘story of the century’ was also provided by four newspaperwomen: Americans May R. Birkhead and Katherine C. Hurd, and Canadians Mary Dawson Snider and Betty Thornley. Michael Dupuis brings their stories to life.
Click each newspaper to read more and purchase!
How to repair your Olympic-class ship
RMS Titanic, Owners’ Workshop Manual
By David F. Hutchings and Richard de Kerbrech
It comes through loud and clear that the authors of this book know ships from stem to stern. If you are into cars, a Haynes automotive manual is familiar reference for repairs and RMS Titanic, Owners’ Workshop Manual, is a take-off of their popular series figuring anyone owning an Olympic-class liner should have a copy on hand.
All kidding aside, RMS Titanic: Owner's Workshop Manual provides an outstanding survey of the Titanic's technical specifications and is a valuable overview for any interested in the ship and her systems. There is great detail and fantastic illustrations that give a true sense of the scale of these huge machines and how the builders overcame obstacles in design with basic technology. The ship's systems––how they function and their purpose are explained––propulsion system, machinery, coal-fired boilers, as well as the shops in the shipyard––the very large lathes, boring mills, and forge presses needed for Titanic's construction.
The Titanic Commutator No. 195
IN THIS ISSUE
48 Years of Continuous Publication
Colonel Astor’s Rhinebeck and the Historic Hudson Valley was a perfect title for the Titanic Historical Society’s 2011 Titanic Heritage Tour. In the course of four days we were immersed in footsteps of yesteryear where the Astors and other notable families made Rhinebeck and environs their home. Written in four short articles we begin with an introduction to the area followed by the Astor legacy at the Church of the Messiah and the Titanic Historical Society’s Service of Remembrance. Day to day activities of the four day convention are shown in photos highlighting the many events and story of a bridge finishes the series. The Astor Bridge is one of the many road improvements Colonel Astor contributed to the town. He and Mrs. Astor opened the bridge on December 24, 1911, before their honeymoon trip to Europe.
The Titanic Commutator No. 194
While going through some files, Ed Kamuda came across the Catholic News, written a little more than week after the Titanic sank. The relatives of the Catholics who met their fate with the Titanic had the consolation that their dear ones had the ministrations of a priest in the last few terrible moments. There were three priests on board, and, as was to be expected, they gave their services to those who needed them and then accompanied them to the throne of God.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the wonder of the age was the construction of Panama Canal, an unprecedented engineering feat. David McCulloch’s book, The Path Between the Seas description: “The building of the Panama Canal was one of the most grandiose, dramatic, and sweeping adventures of all time.” With the necessary infrastructure in place by 1912 to accommodate visitors, steamship lines hurried to add the Panama Canal to their winter cruise itinerary. White Star chose Laurentic to do the honors.
Jim Browne contributed an interesting Titanic connection. The Pierpont brothers were uncles to John Pierpont Morgan born in Hartford, Connecticut, the financier, banker and art collector who is best known to our readers as the man who formed the International Mercantile Marine Company that included the White Star Line which, of course, meant the Titanic. James was also a songwriter…
The Titanic Commutator No. 193
Another year has passed and we’re a little more than a dozen months away from commemorating Titanic’s 100th anniversary. Besides the Titanic Historical Society’s Titanic Centennial Memorial unveiling and convention planned for April 20 to 22, 2012, a number of events large and small are scheduled or have taken place. An example is from longtime UK THS member, John Coley, who reports on a replica of Titanic’s anchor that was cast by Sheffield Forge Masters and traveling the route of the original to the coast for transport to Harland and Wolff. The resulting celebration is featured in “Titanic’s Anchor, Then and Now.”
Preservation of Titanic history is always an ongoing campaign and thanks to Tom McCluskie, M.B.E., he describes his battle with bureaucracy in “Saving Lord Pirrie” to move the memorial that was being vandalized in the city cemetery to its new location on the grounds at Belfast City Hall.
Broadway impresario Henry B. Harris was lost in the Titanic disaster but his wife, Renee, survived inheriting his empire to become the American theatre’s first woman producer. Carrying on her husband’s work, Renee found her own voice. With a keen social conscience she embraced controversial themes in the plays she backed. Titanic Historical Society members Gregg Jasper and Randy Bigham teamed up to tell the story of the inspiring life and career of Renee Harris. In this issue is the first of a three-part excerpt from the authors’ work that will appear exclusively in The Titanic Commutator.
RMS Titanic “dinner is served”
by Yvonne Hume
Menus from the great liner revisited and updated
A must-have for those who wish to recreate menus on the Titanic. The author, Yvonne Hume, has always been passionate about cooking and has more than 35 years of experience cooking professionally in her own establishments. It the name seems familiar to Titanic buffs, it is -- she is the great niece of first violinist, John Hume on the Titanic. His story led to her fascination of the great ship and its food. In this colorful book she has simplified the Titanic menus to encourage cooks at all levels of ability to enjoy recreating these delicious dishes. The book is printed in full color with large images showing each dish––most photographs are a half to a full page. All classes on board are fully represented––First-, second- and third class from Starters to Main Courses, Desserts, Afternoon Tea, even Sweet and Savory accompaniments. There are helpful conversion tables; also a list of wines and spirits from the Titanic; a brief history of cooking aboard and what it was like as a Titanic chef and it would not be complete without a story of Titanic’s band and John “Jock” Law Hume. The author provides additional advice and illustrations on napkin folding and the logistics of making an evening go smoothly. The reader has everything they need to host a wonderful Titanic dinner party. Hardcover. 140 pages.
Titanic Mementoes Collection
Reproduction mementoes from the world’s most famous ship are in this unique collection from the archives of the Titanic Historical Society, The National Archives (UK), Onslows Auctions, Ltd, National Maritime Museum and Southampton City Council Arts and Heritage. Included are replicas of a wireless from Titanic to S.S. Birma “We have struck and iceberg…” telegram; a crewman’s sign-on certificate; an April 14, 1912 second class menu and an April 11, 1912 first class menu; advertising flyers for Vinolia Soap, a cutaway of the ship brochure and a poster of her sailing from New York on April 20, 1912 and letter of condolence from the Dockworker’s Union, Southampton. Also is Titanic’s first class passenger list, a letter written on Titanic stationer, eight different Titanic postcards including color interiors, “Nearer My God to Thee” sheet music in English and French; Titanic’s Transcript of Register to the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen which is Titanic’s official government document; an abridged edition of the Daily Graphic newspaper reporting on the sinking of the Titanic.
Buy a bunch. Ideal a favors for Titanic dinners, school projects, scrapbooking with a Titanic theme are just a few ideas you can use in this inexpensive Titanic Mementoes Collection. Definitely a must-have addition to a Titanic buff’s collection.
Titanic Centennial Jewelry
Titanic Star-Crossed Earrings
Fate played a role on the night of April 14-15 1912.
Express yourself with these exceptional Star-Crossed Titanic earrings handcrafted by the skilled artisan, Barbara Kamuda in beautiful silver. Their brilliant shine dazzles the eye and will surely have your friends admire their unique style. A silver star representing the White Star Line around the ship is forever remembered. A metal dangle Titanic charm commemorates the timeless journey of the ill-fated liner.
Last
Photo of Titanic
...And Signed by a Titanic Passenger
ORIGINAL PRINT RUN OF 500
WHILE THEY LAST — LIMITED NUMBER
This stunning photograph of Titanic is the last known snapshot of the ill-fated liner as she was leaving Queenstown. Snapped by a Titanic passenger––a member of the Odell family, said to be Kate Odell who was traveling with Jack Odell, a young boy who was on holiday with his family. He is pictured on board Titanic with his own Kodak camera. The story of these photographs were featured in an issue The Titanic Commutator. (Issue No. 95 titled “Mementoes of a Historic Passage” available in this store.) Click Here to view.
The Odells got on board at Southampton and disembarked in Queenstown, Ireland, Titanic's last port of call. This image was taken while they were on the tender heading back to Queenstown (now Cobh).
Not only is this image the last known picture taken of Titanic but also is signed by Jack Odell who was on board the ill-fated ship and fortunate to have gotten off with his family. A magnificent and amazing collectible. This is not a printed autograph. Each print was signed by hand by Mr. Jack Odell who kindly signed these prints especially for the Titanic Historical Society and they were offered for the first time at the Society’s convention in Boston in 1992.
Printed on heavy art paper. Each is Numbered. A Certificate of Authenticity is included. Outside measurement: 22 1/2 x 16 1/2 inches.
When these autographed prints are gone, they are gone forever.
ORIGINAL PRICE $190. LIMITED TIME SPECIAL $135.
Click here to purchase
This is a comprehensive article that really gives you an honest picture of Titanic and the events leading up to and following the disaster. This recently updated article addresses many of the myths, lies and false assumptions that cropped up following the sinking of Titanic. Click here to get the true story of Titanic, Past and Present.
(For the complete story) What appears as a hand-colored photograph of Titanic dressed at Southampton in early April, 1912, is a painting by Canadian artist, Keith Campbell.
Titanic Dinner Parties Category
Gathered into one category for easy review and purchase, here all the items for hosting an excellent Titanic Dinner Party. Be sure to set your table with our Titanic Dinner Package, sold in single place settings or packs of 12. Present your guests with memorable party favors like the mini Titanic keychain or Titanic ornament. Decorate with reproduction documents and put on the original music as was played aboard the Titanic. Click here to browse this category, or find it any time from the side menu in our Museum Store.
Titanic Centennial Jewelry
Golden Titanic Centennial Commemorative Pin
RMS Titanic 1912 – 2012
Southampton-Cherbourg-Queenstown-Eternity
The Titanic Historical Society is offering a magnificent Titanic Centennial Commemoration Pin for all occasions in striking goldtone. The all-metal pin highlights Titanic as she sails on her first and only voyage. The front has brilliant gold leaves surrounding the Titanic design with “Titanic’s Memory Lives On” topped by the White Star Line pennant adding a distinctive accent. The important dates 1912-2012 and her ports of call: Southampton-Cherbourg-Queenstown-Eternity are imprinted on the base. A safety clasp on a bright goldtone back insures a secure hold. A beautiful pin for all Titanic occasions and an instant collectible. Pin is 2 inches X 1.5 inches or 5 cm x 4 cm.
Click here to purchase.Titanic Centennial Jewelry
Gold Titanic
Centennial Pin
RMS Titanic 1912 - 2012
The Titanic Historical Society is commemorating Titanic’s one hundredth anniversary with a magnificent Titanic Centennial Memorial Pin in striking goldtone. The all-metal pin highlights Titanic as she will appear on the new black granite Titanic Centennial Memorial to be unveiled by the Titanic Historical Society in Springfield, Massachusetts on the weekend of April 20-22, 2012. On the front, brilliant gold leaves surround the Titanic design topped by the White Star Line pennant adding a distinctive accent. The important dates 1912-2012 and the date of the Titanic Centennial Memorial dedication are imprinted on the base. A safety clasp on a bright goldtone back insures a secure hold. A beautiful pin and an instant collectible. Pin is 2 inches X 1.5 inches or 5 cm x 4 cm.
Click here to purchase.Titanic Centennial Jewelry
Titanic Centennial Pin
Titanic’s Memory Lives On
Show your support for the Titanic with this instant collectible Titanic Centennial Memorial Pin. Striking cutout of Titanic as she will appear on the new black granite Titanic Centennial Memorial to be unveiled by the Titanic Historical Society in Springfield, Massachusetts on the weekend of April 20-22, 2012. The pin is metal with a safety clasp on a bright goldtone back. On the front, brilliant blue circles the Titanic design with the important dates 1912-2012 imprinted. Pin is 2 inches or 5.5 cm diameter.
Click here to purchase.The White Star Collection
A Shipping Line in Postcards
A sumptuous and delightful collection of postcards tracing the illustrious White Star Line. This evocative book explores the colorful story in personal postcards and messages from passengers and crew to the careers of the vessels in peacetime and in war.
Glencoe S.S. France Model Kit 1/450 Scale
The model kit of the S.S. France is one of the truly beautiful ocean liners. She represented the ultimate in ocean liners featuring the newest and latest innovations in style, interior appointments marine design and engineering.
This 1/450 Scale 24.5 inch model GLM 3902 is the 1996 1/450 scale version of the SS France shortly after she entered service in 1962. The model kit contains a large and well-detailed injection molded kit with a solid one-piece hull and multiple pieces that will require glueing and painting. Paint and glue not included. This is a favorite liner to collect and/or build and makes a nice showing when completed.
Click here to read more.Titanic Dinner Package for 12
Now you can relive the courtly polish of Titanic's Edwardian-style without
the muss and fuss of searching for the right accessories. In an era in which
the Social Register listed vessels on which the socially prominent sailed,
the White Star Line set a standard right down to the understated, elegant
menus and place settings in the first class dining saloon. Created especially
for your Titanic Dinner party using rare originals from The Titanic Museum
Collection reproduced to create a 1912 ambience for your unique Titanic Dinner
all in one.
Click
here to read more.
Dinner Napkins
First class elegance with large, banquet-size napkins. Soft, absorbent yet
elegant white with famous White Star Line logo imprinted in red and big enough
to cover your lap. 25 per package. Measuring a huge 17 X 17 inches (unfolded);
8.50 X 8.50 (folded) with embossed pleated edge.
Click
here to read more
White Star Line Titanic Stationery
A faithful reproduction of original White Star Line buff-colour stationery
with the imprinted White Star burgee logo in red and the Titanic's name at
the top left. 10 sheets and 10 envelopes in each package.
Click
here to read more
LUGGAGE LABEL PLAYING CARDS
These beautiful and historic playing cards featuring classic luggage labels from the 1920s through the 1950s; jewels of graphic design by unsung artists. These seductive labels, recalling a less hurried age of the great liners and luxurious hotels, were pasted on leather suitcases and steamer trunks, proud mementoes of the grand hotels, elegant ships and the lost glamour of flying.
OCEAN LINER PLAYING CARDS
These beautiful and historic playing cards featuring the great ocean liners from Olympic and Titanic through the 1960s; jewels of graphic design in the glamorous posters of famous ship, ports of call and the iconic companies they represented.
Back Again by Popular Demand
POLAR
THE TITANIC BEAR
By Daisy Corning Stone Spedden
This is a wonderful gift book--the richness and emotion of the story are all the more poignant when enhanced by actual family photographs, the Spedden's tragic personal story and the reflection of an era that will never exist again.
Leighton H. Coleman, III, opened a window on the sinking of the Titanic, the most famous sea disaster of all time, through memorabilia while exploring the attic of his relative Daisy Corning Stone Spedden. He found many personal treasures, including a charming book Daisy had written in 1913 for her 8-year-old son, Douglas.
Click here for more information
RMS Titanic Ornament
Made exclusively for the Titanic Historical Society, this delightful custom
made RMS Titanic ornament can hang in your window as a decoration or for your
special Christmas tree. Makes a great keepsake favor for your Titanic party,
too. Fully sculpted ship and water is raised and slightly rounded producing
a great three-dimensional effect. RMS Titanic is painted realistically in
her traditional black hull, white superstructure, buff and black funnels...
Click
here for more details
Titanic Centennial Jewelry
Titanic Remembrance Bracelet
Remember the TitanicThe striking hues and brilliant coloration bring a fashionable accent to the bracelet’s design handcrafted by the skilled artisan, Barbara Kamuda. The variety of colors on the Titanic Remembrance bracelet adds radiance to any palette. A silver metal dangle Titanic charm sparkles and the color combination of the eye-catching glass beads add stunning splashes of sublime color to your wardrobe that will surely attract onlookers to admire its unique style.
Click here to purchase.
Titanic’s First-Class Passenger List
Titanic’s first class passenger list is one of the most requested reproductions and its understandable why. This is an exquisite reproduction printed from an original and rare Titanic Passenger List in the Titanic Museum Collection. Hold a real piece of history in your hand and search through the familiar names. Printed with the same color covers and includes Titanic's (future) scheduled sailings and the listing of the passengers in first and second class. This facsimile original maiden voyage booklet printed on glossy paper looks like the real thing and contains all the shipboard information that was distributed to the passengers. A real find for those seeking information about the first and second class people who were aboard the Titanic.
White Star Line Pin
Awash in elegance, this pin is a skillful recreation of the reknowned White Star Line logo, a red swallowtail flag with a white star in the center surrounded in royal blue. This beautiful pin is made of baked enamel in authentic colors that is set off in solid brass. .75 inch diameter, push pin back.
Famous White Star Liners and the Carpathia
Reproductions of Rare Originals. MAJESTIC, OLYMPIC, BRITANNIC, OCEANIC, TEUTONIC,
CEDRIC, GEORGIC, REPUBLIC, HOMERIC and the CUNARDER CARPATHIA.
Click
here to read more
Mini Titanic
Party Pack (12)
The perfect party favor or place card holder for your gala Titanic Dinner
or Titanic birthday party at a discount price when you buy the party pack.
RMS Titanic is one of the nicest little miniatures in the inexpensive price
range that we’ve ever seen. Comes 12 to a package.
Click
here to purchase
TITANIC The Last Survivor
The life of Millvina Dean
By Anthony Cunningham & Sheila Jemima, with Millvina Dean
The book's Introduction dated October 2008 was written by Millvina Dean who said, "The Titanic meant very little to me at the time. Nobody seemed to talk about it very much and the fact that my father had died on the ship didn't really make a huge impression on me. After all, what was the Titanic to me? It didn't seem to have any bearing on my world at all. That I had been the youngest survivor of the disaster meant even less! My mother told me the facts and that was that."
the Best
Titanic Plans?
Titanic Plans
by Bruce Beveridge
You will be blown away with the wealth of information included in this latest offering and spend many happy hours looking over each and every deck. Titanic's general arrangements at 1/350 scale show her accommodations, engine & machinery, deck planking & frame spacing, auxiliary apparatus and so much more... Click here to read more.