Top Picks For Commemorating The 100th Anniversary Of The Titanic
One-hundred years after the "unsinkable" ship, well, sank, the James Cameron-directed sob-fest starring Leo and Kate returns to the big screen—in 3-D!
Excited? Of course you are! But if you want to delve a little deeper into something other than just, you know, Leo's piercing blue eyes or Kate's porcelain cleavage, here's a guide to Titanic-themed events and programs here in Philadelphia. –Chelsea Karnash
---
EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS
"Titanic: The 100th Anniversary"
Saturday, Apr. 21; 3 p.m.
$75, $86 for students and seniors
Numerous passengers on the Titanic rest in Philly's famed Laurel Hill Cemetery; check out their gravesites during a special centennial walking tour. Afterwards, head into the cemetery's historic Conservatory for a slideshow and presentation on little known or recently discovered facts about the ill-fated ship. And finally, fill up at a buffet-style dinner that recreates the passengers' last supper on the boat, including dessert, wine, and music. Is it slightly morbid? Yes—but what do you expect from a cemetery?
---
"The Titanic in Film"
Wednesday, Apr. 25; 7 p.m.
FREE
Perhaps you were blinded by the sheer beauty of Leonardo DiCaprio, but there are other films on the Titanic. Explore the myths that the Cameron film and others on the sunken ship have perpetuated with award-winning filmmaker Michael McGonigle. He'll share trivia, facts and clips of the movies at this free presentation.
---
Titanic: The Rise of Rosenbach and "Reading: The Stories of Two Titanic Passengers"
Now – June 24 (Reading on Sunday, Apr. 15)
FREE with museum admission
The Rosenbach's newest exhibit tells the story of book dealer Dr. A.S.W. Rosenbach, from the moment he hears of the Titanic disaster and realizes that his protégé Harry Elkins Widener died on it. Then, on Apr. 15th, visitors will hear the first-hand accounts of people who experienced and heard about the sinking of the ship at the reading of "The Stories of Two Titanic Passengers."
---
"Titanic Philadelphians" and Titanic Day
Apr. 13 – Dec. 31 (Saturday, Apr. 14 is Titanic Day)
FREE with museum admission
Explore the lives of more than 40 Philadelphians who were forever changed by the Titanic disaster at the Seaport Museum's new "Titanic Philadelphians" exhibit. The focal point of the collection is one of the few surviving copies of the Titanic's first class passenger list, carried to the city (unknowingly) by a survivor named Marian Longstreth Thayer. While Mrs. Thayer's husband wasn't so lucky—he went down with the ship—but she and her son made it and returned to their home in Haverford, Pa.
Also happening at the museum is Titanic Day, a full-day of activities commemorating the 100th anniversary, including ship-themed crafts and interactive lessons.
---
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
Nov. 22, 2012 – Apr. 7, 2013
Rates TBD
Okay, so it's not happening for a few months, but it's something to keep on your radar: The Franklin Institute is showing off its collection of more than 200 artifacts recovered from the Titanic wreck site, which wasn't discovered until 73 years after the ship went down.
---
DINNERS
Chef Chip Roman's Titanic Tasting Menu
Sunday, Apr. 15; 5 p.m.
$95
First-class Philly restaurant Blackfish will be recreating the last meal served to first class passengers on the "unsinkable" ship. The 10-course feast includes items inspired by Chip Roman's research on the menu, like Roast Squab with baby cress, carrots and pinot noir sauce and Poached Loch Duart Salmon with beluga lentils, lemongrass mousseline and English cucumbers.
---
Titanic 100th Anniversary Dinner
www.phillyfunguide.com
Saturday, Apr. 14; 7 p.m.
First class tickets: $80 non-members, $75 for members; Steerage Passes: $70 non-members, $65 for members
Glen Foerd is also hosting a commemorative dinner. "First class" diners will be treated to an opulent, Edwardian-era party, while those in "steerage" can party like Jack and Rise in the infamous scene from "Titanic." A cash bar and live entertainment are included, and while first class attire is black-tie, steerage is "Sunday best – steerage style." Oh, and period attire is strongly encouraged.
---
