News
Titanic exhibit at Fairfield Museum
By Fairfield Museum and History Center
Apr 22, 2008 - 6:33:36 AM

RMS Titanic leaving the White Star dock on her maiden voyage on April 10, 1912

This past April 14 marked the 96th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking. On that fateful night in 1912, hundreds of men, women and children lost their lives in the waters of the North Atlantic, and those who survived went on with lives that were forever altered.

As a nation, we are fascinated with Titanic for a variety of reasons. Titanic’s legendary opulence, famous victims and infamous claim to be ‘unsinkable’ create a glamorous backdrop to the story of one of the worst peacetime maritime disasters in history.

The discovery of Titanic, in its chaotic arrangements on the ocean floor, resurrected its story of distress and suffering, but also unfolded a new chapter to include science and history. Surviving teacups, pocket watches and pieces of the ship itself are artifacts that provide glimpses of what once was, and connect us to a great historic event.

Fairfield has a connection to those research and recovery efforts. George Tulloch, a Fairfield resident, founded RMS Titanic, Inc. and conducted five expeditions from 1987 – 1998 to recover artifacts from Titanic, some 12,500 feet below the Atlantic’s surface. This team retrieved artifacts ranging from children’s marbles to a 20-ton piece of hull, and brought together international experts in microbiology, sonar, naval architecture, metallurgy, robotics and history.

George and Cindy Tulloch aboard research vessel NADIR, Titanic expedition, 1998

Preserving Titanic’s artifacts for public exhibit was Tulloch’s mission, so it is fitting that the George Tulloch Room be named at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, whose mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Fairfield, Connecticut and surrounding regions for present and future generations. This public tribute features artifacts related to Tulloch’s expeditions and the exhibitions that he organized. Images of the “Big Piece,” a section of Titanic’s hull that Tulloch and French Commander Paul-Henri Nargeolet brought to the surface in 1998, are also displayed along with a piece of the huge rope that lifted it. Two foam cups, each reduced to the size of a thimble after the journey two miles beneath the surface, offer tangible evidence of the tremendous pressure exerted on objects at that depth. A small piece of coal brought up from Titanic is included, along with personal items that belonged to Tulloch, such as the bright yellow jacket he always wore on the expeditions. A model of Titanic made by Tulloch’s brother-in-law, Al Briggs, will be displayed, as well as photographs of the underwater Nautile that made the deep sea expeditions possible.

“Fairfield Museum is privileged to honor a Fairfield resident who was dedicated to teaching future generations through public exhibition,” said Executive Director Michael Jehle. “The decision to name rooms in honor of important Fairfield residents such as George Tulloch is a wonderful way to recognize the achievements of those individuals.”

A fascinating illustrated lecture by the first two historians, Charles Haas and Jack Eaton, to make the 12,500 foot dive to the wreck of Titanic will be presented at Fairfield Museum. Titanic’s dramatic story from her history, sinking and recovery will be traced in this program. The lecture will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 7pm, and again on Sunday, April 27 at 1pm. The lecture is free for Museum members, non-members will be charged $5. Reservations are required, please call 259-1598.

Fairfield Museum and History Center is located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, CT, behind Old Town Hall. For details on exciting events and programs at the museum, please visit www.fairfieldhs.org. Several opportunities are still available at the Museum for permanent naming recognition. To learn more, please call Executive Director Michael Jehle.

© Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com