Further Explorations of the Titanic
Regular price $35.50A public lecture featuring Steven Schwankert FI'05 - Monday, April 14th at The Explorers Club Headquarters.
On the evening of April 14—113 years after the Titanic struck the iceberg that sealed its fate—this presentation explores three areas of study worth continuing on the legendary vessel.
First, we'll examine how the Titanic serves as a living laboratory for marine biologists and oceanographers. The wreck has become an unprecedented case study of deep-sea decomposition, offering insights into how metal structures deteriorate in extreme conditions and supporting unique ecosystems of "rusticles" and specialized microorganisms.
The second segment addresses the ongoing ethical debate surrounding salvage operations. We'll analyze the tension between preserving historical artifacts and maintaining the site's integrity as a maritime grave, examining recent court decisions and competing claims from salvage companies and preservation groups.
Finally, we'll delve into the often-overlooked ethnic diversity among Titanic's passengers. While popular media typically focuses on wealthy first-class travelers from the United States and United Kingdom, the ship carried a rich tapestry of immigrants from across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We'll explore the stories of passengers from places like Lebanon, Croatia, and even China, examining their reasons for travel and how their experiences reflect broader patterns of early 20th-century migration.
Together, these perspectives offer fresh insights into one of history's most studied maritime disasters, demonstrating that science will carry Titanic’s legacy forward as much as legend.
Schwankert’s new book The Six will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation.
In-person tickets are $20 for Members, and $35 for the General Public.
Check-in will begin at 6:00 pm, with a beer and wine reception from 6:00 – 7:00 pm