Press release: 15/12/11
Maryport: the spiritual home of the
Titanic
The sea is at the heart of the Western Lake District’s history and Maryport is no exception
with a rich maritime heritage just waiting to be discovered.
One of the town’s most notable maritime links and possibly the least known is the link to
Thomas Henry Ismay, born 1837, in Maryport. He learnt his trade watching the comings
and goings at the port before going on to found the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company,
more commonly known as The White Star Line, in 1867.
To mark this connection and the 100th anniversary of the inaugural voyage of the
Titanic on the 10th of April 1912, the Maryport Maritime Museum in conjunction with the
Wave Centre, Maryport, is hosting an exhibition from 29th March to 13th May 2012.
On 15th April 2012, the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the exhibition will be a hub
for world-wide radio communications. We will broadcast Morse and voice communications
for 30 minute slots throughout the day, communicating with other Titanic hotspots
throughout the world.
On entering the exhibition visitors will be given a boarding pass with the name of a
passenger or crew-member printed on it. They will have the opportunity to learn about the
early days of the town, including the life of Thomas Henry Ismay.
Around the perimeter of the exhibition, there will be a recreation of a third class berth
exactly as it would have been on Titanic and a replica Marconi Room, where distress
signals were sent from and messages received. There will also be a ‘Wreck Scene’
forming a poignant reminder of that fateful night.
The displays will include: 
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a collection of newspaper reports from the days following the disaster.
1st Class A la Carte scene – a two-place setting replicating Titanic’s A la Carte
restaurant, featuring original carpeting from Titanic’s sister ship Olympic.
costumes worn by ‘Rose’ in the 1997 blockbuster movie by James Cameron and a
collection of props from the same film.
“The Three Sisters Models” – Olympic, Titanic and Britannic were sister ships,
each in turn taking its place as the world’s largest moving man-made object - the
only models of their type in the world.
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a selection of silverware and chinaware from ships of The White Star Line.
On leaving the exhibition, visitors will view a wall of passenger and crew names which can
be checked against their individual boarding passes to see the fate of their allotted crewmember or passenger.
Katie Read, West Cumbria Tourism Manager, said: ‘’Maryport has so much to offer, it is a
real hidden gem and is justifiably proud of its maritime heritage. The connection with the
founder of the White Star Line is significant and it is clear Thomas was heavily influenced
by his upbringing in Maryport. It is only fitting the town marks one of its most famous sons
in this way and the inaugural voyage of the ill-fated Titanic.’’
‘’Simply put, we encourage you to get out and explore the Western Lake District and the
historic Maryport.’’
To find out more about the Western Lake District, its food, activities and accommodation
visit www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk.
Ends.
Notes to Editors:
1. For further information or to arrange a press visit to the Western Lake District please contact Greg
Stephenson on 01539 825060 or email gstephenson@cumbriatourism.org.
2. To find out more about West Cumbria Tourism and its work, please visit www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk.
3.West Cumbria Tourism is funded through Britain's Energy Coast by Nuclear Management Partners with
additional funding provided by Allerdale Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council and supported by
Cumbria Tourism.