During February Break week, Onondaga Free Library commemorated the 100th year anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and it’s unforgettable sinking with educational displays throughout the Library and a week of great events.
Each patron was given a boarding pass with the name and information about a real Titanic passenger. There were illustrations of the crow’s nest, Captain Smith, a passenger’s luxury car that was carried aboard the ship and more. You could also find information about the well-known passengers and crew and the wreckage. The young adult section was dedicated to James Cameron’s 1997 film. Along with the displays about the Titanic herself, there were several that focused on time period. Children and adults could dress in the popular fashions in the 1910s- They could try on some large hats with wide brims similar to what women wore back then or a Homburg hat in which men wore during that time period. They could also learn Morse code on an actual telegraph that one of our regular patrons let us borrow for the event. With information and interactive displays around every corner, we hoped that patrons would leave with an appreciation for the time period and how extraordinary the Titanic actually was.
The week of events began with a cooking demonstration class with Chef Rochelle Bilow, who showed participants how to make éclairs and Waldorf pudding- two of the desserts that were served to first-class passengers on the Titanic. Then, we had very fun and successful Titanic LEGO-building night. Children made ships at the event and some even brought in some that they already made at home. Tuesday was Ron Cain’s “Magical Trip to the Titanic” show in which over 100 children and adults came to enjoy the show. Wednesday was jewelry making night… Participants made a necklace with a stunning cameo pendant- just like women wore in 1912. Thursday evening, we were very excited to welcome the West Genesee High School String Quartet, which included one of our own pages Brian Savage, to perform music that the Titanic orchestra would have played. We rounded the week off with Life Savers and ice“berg” floats.
The community really embraced this piece of history and what we did to honor it. We would like to thank everyone who helped get the word out about it!
Welcome aboard!
