New Exhibit Celebrates The Continuing Mystery Of ‘Titanic’

MYSTIC — The world’s most famous ship has docked, on a scale never seen before, in “Return to Titanic,” a new exhibit at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration (MA/IFE).

“Return to Titanic” features the world’s only 18-foot, historically-accurate model of R.M.S. Titanic authorized by Harland & Wolff, the builders of the ship, to celebrate the magnificence of Titanic, highlight its discovery, and take a closer look at the effects of oceanic salvage operations. The exhibit marks Dr Robert Ballard’s third expedition to the Titanic since he discovered the wreck site 19 years ago.

“Return to Titanic” allows people to sail back in history and imagine what it was like to walk the decks of the glorious ship as it traveled at top speed through the Atlantic. Visitors have an opportunity to study the world’s only authentic model of Titanic, which was loaned to the institution for the exhibit by Fine Art Models, and view a 14-foot replica of one of Titanic’s boilers.

Guests also have a chance to see a 25-foot replica of the ship’s bow, view a reproduction of the Marconi Radio Room and listen to audio tapes of the distress calls, search the ocean floor for Titanic artifacts on an interactive kiosk, and learn about the impact salvage operations have on historic wrecks.

The exhibition is on view until summer 2005.

“Featuring a one-of-a-kind ship model and footage from past and current expeditions, ‘Return to Titanic’ brings the story of the Titanic to life for all to enjoy,” said Dr Ballard, the president of Institute for Exploration and National Geographic explorer-in-residence. “This exhibit appeals to all those interested in the legend of Titanic and the ongoing story of the wreck site which is considered a museum of the deep by many.”

Dr Ballard’s next expedition to the Titanic wreck site will take a closer look at the structure of the ship. In early June, Dr Ballard will travel to the wreck site with teams from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Exploration, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, National Geographic Society, National Geographic Channel, University of Rhode Island (URI) Graduate School of Oceanography and the Jason Project. The expedition, led by Dr Ballard, will take a closer look at the structure of the ship. Dr Ballard says he expects to see deterioration and salvaging differences between the time he discovered the wreck in 1985 and today.

Live transmissions will be broadcast from the ship during the expedition to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and downloaded to sites across the country. The project is part of the MA/IFE’s Immersion Project which first brought live broadcasts from an expedition last summer from the Black Sea expedition.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is a non-profit organization. Proceeds go to the development and execution of educational programs, marine research, marine animal rescue and releases, and expeditions.

Mystic Aquarium is at 55 Coogan Boulevard, off I-95 Exit 90. For additional information about Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration including admission charges and special events call 860-572-5955 or visit www.MysticAquarium.org.