The National Archives Marks 100th Anniversary of Titanic
Press Release · Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Washington, DC

The National Archives marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic with a featured document display, two book talks, and a film. These events are free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, which is located on the National Mall and is fully accessible. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW. The National Archives is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, through Labor Day.

Titanic Featured Document Display
March 19-April 23, East Rotunda Gallery
When the British ship Titanic steamed out of Southampton bound for New York on April 10, 1912, it was the largest and most sumptuous luxury liner that had ever sailed, a monument to the promise of technology and to Victorian elegance, magnificently appointed with oriental carpets and crystal chandeliers. It was thought to be unsinkable. In one of history's great ironies, the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage, after colliding with an iceberg off the banks of Newfoundland. More than 1,500 people died in the accident. This featured document display highlights records from the National Archives Northeast Region. They are part of the case files of a limitation of liability suit brought by the ship's owners three years after it sank.

BOOK TALK:  Report into the Loss of the SS Titanic: A Centennial Reappraisal
Wednesday, March 28, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Samuel Halpern discusses a modern-day report on the loss of the Titanic. This ultimate Titanic reference book looks into the American and British inquiries, the passengers and crew, the ice warnings received, the damage and sinking, process of rescue, and the aftermath. A book signing will follow the program; the book is available at a discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.

BOOK TALK:  A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells’ Story of Survival
Friday, April 13, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
In A Rare Titanic Family, author Julie Hedgepeth Williams tells the tragic story of the Titanic through the experiences of her great-uncle Albert Caldwell who survived the sinking with his wife Sylvia and 10-month-old son. A book signing will follow the program; the book is available at a discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.

FILM:  A Night to Remember
Saturday, April 14, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
This docudrama is a film adaptation of Walter Lord’s book about the final night of the RMS Titanic. The film stars Kenneth Moore, was adapted by Eric Ambler, directed by Roy Ward Baker, and won the 1959 Samuel Goldwyn International Award at the Golden Globe Awards. (1958; 123 minutes)

The National Archives is fully accessible, and Assisted Listening Devices are available in the McGowan Theater upon request. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call (202) 357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event. To verify dates and times of the programs, call 202-357-5000 or view the Calendar of Events online. To contact the National Archives, please call 1-866-272-6272 or 1-86-NARA-NARA (TDD) 301-837-0482.

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For Press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-357-5300.

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