Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is being shown at the Rialto Building downtown, 300 E. Congress (SE corner of 5th Avenue) through February 20, 2011.

Royal Mail Steamer (RMS) Titanic

“This compelling Exhibition showcases more than 120 artifacts recovered from the Titanic’s debris field, offering visitors a poignant look at the iconic ship and its passengers.” It is being advertised as “Real objects, real stories.”

And 127 real objects are truly in this exhibit, such as a sweet Valentine postcard (in color), a miniature porcelain teacup, floor tiles, a unique U.S. dollar bill, a White Star Line chamber pot, even sheet music. During a recent visit, artifact specialist Loree Collins shared her enthusiasm with me about this historic maiden voyage of the Titanic. She has visited Southampton, England where the Titanic had been launched and also Halifax, Nova Scotia where 130 passengers were buried in a cemetery. Loree and other knowledgeable artifact specialists are available at the exhibit to share information and answer questions.

Case of 1st Class China and Silver from the Titanic

On the walls are various photos of the Titanic, biographies of those who perished, even fabulous dinner menus with several courses. There are replicas of first and third class cabins to view, for you to imagine what accommodations were like on the Titanic. 1st class passengers paid $2500 ($43,500 in today’s prices) so this was a fabulous voyage. 3rd class paid $35 ($620 in today’s prices), which still couldn’t have been too cheap for 1912.

I felt moved by the sheer horror of this 882.5 foot luxury ship hitting a huge iceberg in the middle of the night, causing 20 lifeboats to be launched, saving only 705 passengers & crew, of the 2228 on board. 1523 passengers died, along with Captain Edward J. Smith who went down with his ship.

From their website www.TitanicTucson.com.

On April 15, 1912, Titanic, the world’s largest ship, sank after colliding with an iceberg, claiming more than 1,500 lives and shaking the world’s confidence in the infallibility of modern technology.

The story of the sinking is legendary, now experience the wonder and tragedy of this ill-fated Ship on a journey through Titanic history.

Travel back in time with compelling stories, historically accurate room recreations, and more than 120 authentic artifacts recovered on our 7 research expeditions since the Ship’s discovery in 1985.

Tickets on sale online or at the door (adults $22, children 4 – 12 $14), with discounts for students/military/seniors over 55 years, and groups of more than 15.
Phone is (520) 622-8595. Discount till December 25 of $4 (adult ticket) if you brng in 2 cans for the Community Food Bank. Audio tapes in English, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, and Spanish are available for $5 extra.

A well stocked gift shop ends your self-guided tour, with Titanic memorabilia such as cups, dishes, clothing, actual pieces of coal, postcards, soaps, blankets, books, etc.

I have often heard that the cry when the RMS Titanic was sinking was “Women & children first!”, which is still uttered today. Go to this exhibit to find out if that “real story” is true. Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

12/4/10 UPDATE: “Titanic in Tucson” films at the Fox on Dec. 5 and 10:
http://tucsoncitizen.com/community/2010/12/04/titanic-in-tucson-films-at-the-fox-on-dec-5-and-10/