This past week I have the excitement and pleasure to frolic in my other home, Pigeon Forge, Tennesse, with crew members and guests alike at The Titanic Museum Attraction here in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Upon arriving, traveling up the Parkway toward the magnificent ship that is our museum here in Pigeon Forge it’s clear where the term “Smoky Mountains” arrived.  The wet, humid weather had created mist rising in the distance, snaking its way through the distant mountain vistas.  The Mountains were indeed Smoky, quite simply, beautiful.   With great humility, and gratitude, I thank all the travelers that have decided to give our new museum a visit, over a quarter million have traveled through the corridors and galleries at the Pigeon Forge museum since our opening on April 8th.

The week has been a whirl with visits from our Twitter winner, Jarrod Griffith, and his grandparents, visits with our various group leaders in the area, the local Chambers of Commerce from Gatlinburg, to Knoxville, various radio and television stations, and reunions with all of my Pigeon Forge crew members. As the year continues, I will be fortunate enough to be spending more time at our Pigeon Forge location, and such fun it is and will be.

Titanic Attraction in Pigeon Forge

The Crew Members here at The Titanic Pigeon Forge Museum Attraction are becoming more immersed in their roles as purveyors of the Titanic legacy, all due to the efforts of their fine abilities, First Class Maid Jamie and her loving tutoring, and the support of Officer Danita, Officer Lorene, Officer Mark, Mary and John, and of course my loyal support of them all.  I really feel the bond building between our Mother ship in Branson and her gorgeous daughter here in Pigeon Forge.  I was traveling with Officers Mel, Jane, and Kristy yesterday, we went many places, at a local La Quinta Hotel, a gentleman here in the Smokies for a family reunion exclaimed from the distance of the lobby, “Jaynee!  Why aren’t you in Branson?”  Small world, he was a local of Missouri and knew me from the Branson Titanic, and I reminded him of our new museum here in Pigeon Forge.  At one Visitor Center a gentleman visitor to the area, he immediately recognized me and the officers.  He had been to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson and was planning to visit our sister ship here in Tennessee.

Crew members in Pigeon Forge shine daily, battling 100 degree temps they consistently put forth amazing efforts in customer satisfaction.  First Class Maid Jody is always quick with a flirt of the skirt and a twinkle in her eye, a local favorite.  First Class Maid Ashley is so full of energy and knowledge she will regale you with stories and gossip that only she can convey in her south London way.  Officers Nick, Ron, and Keith hold forth in various galleries and I was frankly chilled with the description of hypothermia given to myself and other guests by Officer Ron.

We have been lucky to have our Captain Lowell in the past few weeks here in Pigeon Forge, a mountain of a man, a trained and skilled actor that serves as the pillar for all of our Captain Smiths.

I’m leaving out so many, but what I’m trying to convey is the pride I feel to be associated with both crews.  For it is clear, although separated by hundreds of miles, both Titanic Pigeon Forge and Titanic Branson share the same goal, to continue the stories and legacy of R.M.S. Titanic and we are indeed one huge crew, not two separate crews.  A Grand Thing Indeed!

So much more to tell, but I must fly!  Till next time, toodles, First Class Maid Jaynee.

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Another Fourth of July has come and gone.  Proud Americans came out in droves at both museums, Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  We the crew thank all of you that decided to spend some Fourth of July time at our facilities.

We observe the Fourth as like all Holidays with much respect; after all, many people do not realize that The R.M.S. Titanic was American owned, thusly the American Flag on the bow of our ship.  Funded by an international maritime corporation owned by American financier J.P. Morgan, who fortunately for him, due to business obligations missed the maiden voyage.

The Fourth of July celebrates the Independence from Great Britain…hmmmm, well if you can’t beat’em, join’em, that’s what many of us did, and thank you for the GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

Fireworks at Titanic Pigeon Forge's Grand Opening

Fireworks are a great tradition celebrating this Independence Day.  Fireworks at the Titanic Museum in Branson are not feasible due to its location, but I still remember with pride the fantastic display of fireworks at the opening of the Titanic Pigeon Forge on April 8th.  Fourth of July fireworks were not part of the program this year in Pigeon Forge, but I have a feeling there will be more fire in the works after that stunning display on April 8th.

A sad fact is that joyous celebrations like fireworks displays, sporting events, and other events that entail mass gatherings of people, were avoided by many that survived the tragic sinking of R.M.S. Titanic.  A gentleman that survived that horrific night on April 15th in 1912 was quoted as saying that from that point on he no longer could enjoy baseball games in his home town of Detroit, Michigan.  Whenever he heard the ecstatic cries and cheers for home runs and the like it brought back the deafening sound of hundreds of poor souls struggling in the icy waters of the North Atlantic when Titanic went down.

For some survivors of R.M.S. Titanic, fireworks became something to avoid.  The setting off of fireworks was too reminiscent of the multitudes of flairs that were set off from the deck of Titanic.

The Fourth of July should be celebrated with much pride and excitement, after all, think of the immigrants that were on board Titanic that were anxious to arrive in their new, chosen homeland.  So this Fourth we honor those of us that strive to pursue our dreams in a “Chosen Homeland”.

But when we blast off the fireworks, and cheer at the top of our voices, always remember that what is fantastic fun for most of us, for some it can trigger tragic memories.  Be respectful and we at both Titanic Museums wish happiness and above all, safety with future celebrations.

First Class Maid Jaynee

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They will all be here, an amazing herd of amazing, life size horses grazing around the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  Courtesy of Rachel Wilson, amazing artist/sculptor who has generously agreed to display her creations throughout the month of July at our museum.  Rachel Wilson stumbled into this medium, having worked mainly with paint and canvass when her husband jokingly suggested she create something from the hedge branches they were gathering up one day on their 40,000 acre ranch in Avilla, Missouri, “It would cost less than painting supplies.”

First Class Maid Jaynee and Rachel Wilson pose in front of one of Rachel's Horse Sculptures

So she did, she did just that.  And what became a jest, a dare, became one of the most outstanding collections of creative ingenuity in the United States.  Rachel is tiny, delicate, with strawberry, light brown hair, Alice Blue eyes, and a peaches and cream complexion.  Not the type you would cast as a gritty, life size, media artist.  These hedge branches, though pliable, are tough as wire; Rachel bends and twists these branches into the image of horses, 16 hands high.  They have flaring nostrils, deep recesses for eyes, some have flying manes and tails, and some are grazing, or prancing.  Rachel says she does not name her masterpieces until they are complete and they come to life, then she christens each equine with a name.  Rachel, a Mother of four and an active participant with her husband in managing a huge ranch, started as a teen with her artistic expression, she ultimately won scholarships and is still pursuing her work as an artist, and since the advent of the horses, Rachel has become quite a name in the Art World.  And we at Titanic are so lucky to have her work displayed on our property.  It will be interesting to see how much traffic will jam when we put these beauties up for the July first opening.

Titanic's Horse Sculpture Exhibit beginning July 1st

Of course it makes perfect sense to have an artistic display featured at our Titanic Museum Attraction.  After all in 1912 when the R.M.S. Titanic set sail she was thought of as a floating palace.  Titanic was filled with the finest paintings, sculptures, stained glass, rod iron work, the art of her architecture alone set her above all other ocean liners.  Her passenger list was filled with the art collectors of the day, two passengers, among others, were world renowned artists.  Paul Chevre, a French sculptor, and Francis Millet, landscape artist, portrait painter and illustrator.  The protagonist, Jack Dawson, from James Cameron’s movie, “The Titanic”, was an aspiring artist and we certainly appreciated his drawing of Rose.  Rachel’s work could find no better place to be displayed then at our museum; of course I am prejudiced and simply can’t wait to see them up close.  Horse lovers will appreciate the reality displayed in her work, it’s really quite incredible.

I personally love Rachel’s story.  A woman with the strength and tenacity to pursue her dreams, and then to create such a strong exhibit that seems to reflect her roots and her life.  All this in such a small, pretty package.  Perfect.

Like the song lyric from Wildfire:

She comes down from Yellow Mountain

On a dark, flat land she rides

On a pony she named Wildfire

With a whirlwind by her side

Well, she’s coming down from Avilla, Missouri and I’ll be right there to greet Rachel, her horses, and you.

First Class Maid, Jaynee

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This last week has been filled with heartwarming but bittersweet happenings.  First there was the Barry County Queen and Princess Pageant held at Gizmo’s Event Center in Wheaton, Missouri.  For two years I had been asked to be a part of this pageant and help with the judging, because of scheduling it was not possible until this year.  I enlisted the aid of First Class Maid Jamie, a professional in the field of pageants.  I on the other hand although having been in show business for the majority of my life, never participated in the pageant game.  There were three judges, plus the organizers, which included the man who handles the Barry County pageant every year, Larry Gullian.  We selected our queen, Kaitlyn Shumacher, and the princess we selected just happened to be her sister, Stephanie Shumacher.  It was “heartwarming” to experience this truly all American tradition, but “heartbreaking” as well for the other participants in the pageant.  Another life lesson, but then of course there is always next year.

Jaynee at the Titanic Father's Day Boat Show

Boats were sold and Father’s were honored this Father’s Day at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  We celebrated our third annual Father’s Day Boat show with beautiful boat selections from Bass Pro.  Families turned out in droves and Janet Ellis from radio station KRZK and KOMC had a “live radio party” with me and the rest of the crew on sight.  I wore my swim dress 1912 style, and Janet wore a Titanic Night Shirt, sans pants, but we called it a swim dress anyhow.  Always big laughs with Janet.  It was “heartwarming” to see the young boys and girls, and even the older children, jesting with their Fathers and honoring their Da’s.  I asked one young lad if he would buy his Dad a boat for Father’s day, at that very moment the helicopter from the neighboring helicopter ride venue swooped down low over our Titanic parking lot, much to our crews angst, when the little boy shouted, “I’m buying my Dad a HELICOPTER!!!”  We at Titanic wish he would buy all of the ones next door and move them far away.  But as I saw the tiny tyke take his Dad’s hand and walk him into the museum for their tour, it was “heartbreaking” to think of other young lads and lassies that were on board R.M.S. Titanic, that took their Dad’s hands and boarded the ship with great anticipation and excitement, never to disembark with their Father’s again.  Dad’s like Frank Goldsmith and Carl Asplund in Third Class, in Second Class, Mr. Edwy West and Benjamin Hart, in First Class, Mr. Hudson Allison and Mr. John Thayer.  This last Father’s Day, our Fathers that entered the museum were fortunate to exit as well.

Then of course, on Saturday the Branson/Tri-Lakes Humane Society brought a collection of homeless dogs for Adopt a Dog Day at the Titanic Humane Society!  Two were adopted!  Several other were not, but they were seen, they were loved, and for a brief moment were treated like beloved pets, and not unwanted nuisances.  It was “heartwarming” to see the dogs enjoy the people and the people enjoy the dogs, dogs were walked, petted, hugged, and praised and loved.  It was “heartbreaking” to see the pleading looks of Chloe the overweight Dachshund who’s real owner had died and at seven years old she had been thrust into this homeless predicament, it was “heartbreaking” as I held Ethel, the sister dog of Lucy who had just been adopted, Ethel clinging to me with fear and sadness, that her sister had been selected, but she had not.  Yes, First Class Maid Jaynee, sat holding that dog and cried, I couldn’t help it, you know the feeling, choking back tears, trying hard not to seem weak and silly, but I could not help it.  This is so important, to create awareness, let people know about these four legged loves, and because of Titanic, and Molly and Carter, we have raised thousands of dollars and supplies for the shelters, but the dogs need forever homes.  Please pray for Ethel and all the unwanted pets, dogs and cats.  And thank you all for your continued support with the Molly and Carter S.O.S. project.

First Class Maid Jaynee

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This will be a short blog with a promise of news to come. This Titanic Museum First Class Maid has been on leave for the past six days. I’ve been busy putting my own ship in order. I’ll be back with bells on June 17^th, Officer Kristina and myself plan to sail on over to Harrison, Arkansas for Reading Appreciation Day at the local library. We will take Molly or Carter with us, the day will be spent discussing the responsibilities of animal ownership, history of the ten dogs that were on board the R.M.S. Titanic, and enjoying some of the great books about animals that were on board that great ship.

Father's Day Boat Show at the Titanic in Branson

Then of course this weekend, the Third Annual Fathers Day Boat Show, held every year at the Titanic Museum Attraction parking lot in Branson, Missouri! Bass Pro brings water craft of the most tempting variety; I don my sweet swim dress, and a sailing we will go! All to pay homage to the brave Fathers that gave their lives so that their children might survive the sinking of Titanic. This is so important; the sacrifice these men made is astounding. But then after all, Fathers are super-heroes to their children as they should be and believe me, we will treat all of you Fathers with the utmost respect and honor this coming weekend at the Titanic Museum.

So, until next week, stay safe if you intend to take to the water or any other summer endeavor, and I will be back with reports on pageants, boat shows, library visits, and museum business. I’m back at the bow, reporting for duty and ready to sail!

First Class Maid Jaynee

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School proms, Graduations, summer vacation plans, all begin in the beautiful month of June.  The Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri, are all geared up and ready for the busy, busy, vacation season.

Part of our success relies on tour professionals coming to our museums and enjoying some of the wonderful things we have to offer.  One such group visited our Branson museum last week.  T.A.P., Travel Alliance Partners, a group of tour companies from the United States and Canada that travel the globe seeking out the most entertaining and wonderful destinations for their patrons to travel to.  On this trip to Branson, Missouri we were fortunate to be selected by the Louisiana contingent of this esteemed group to host an elegant sit down dinner experience at our museum.

Thanks to Kristy Merritt and Kristina Hagey and our talented crew we pulled out all the stops.  The group arrived in their motor coach and by auto and was welcomed by Captain David and myself.  After a brief orientation and assigned a boarding pass representing one of the 2208 passengers and crew members aboard the R.M.S. Titanic, these well traveled individuals left their old selves behind and entered an Edwardian world of class, elegance, and Titanic ocean travel.  Met with flutes of champagne upon entering our impressive lobby, they had the opportunity to become familiar with their boarding passes, observe our two new love hearts, Molly and Carter, two King Charles Spaniels gamboling and frolicking in their kennel, tricked out like an opulent baggage area on board Titanic, complete with an observation window, they rounded the corner into the shipyard where staff and caterers had set up a charming, pub like atmosphere.  Appropriately situated by our Grapes Tavern Display.  Roped off, we seated guests as individually, and in groups, creating an intimacy I think that was enjoyed by all.  I know the full service bar was enjoyed by all, my bartending skills came in handy this evening, to be sure.  Not to give the impression that this was a less then delicate crowd, they were ready to have a wonderful time, and we at Titanic are here to serve.

The theme of the dinner was southern Louisiana.  Opening with a black eyed pea seviche salad, a Creole inspired entrée of Tilapia with a delectable shrimp sauce, along with a petite filet, cooked to order, no small feat in a museum.  Asparagus and Cajun inspired grits dressed the meal, all served and prepared expertly by our house caterer, Touch.

After dinner we gathered at the Grande Staircase for words of thanks and acknowledgments and to be royally entertained by a new act in the town of Branson.  “The Cats Pajamas”, currently performing at The Dutton Family Theatre.  A doo-wop quartet with charm and talent that regaled the crowd with old favorites from the doo-wop era, working and flirting the crowd with expertise.

Upstairs more good times, with a lovely selection of after dinner wines, crème brulee, and pecan tartlets.  Between the lovely menu, great entertainment, the stunning history of R.M.S. Titanic, and the crew of our museum.  Our guests simply did not want to leave, a compliment of the highest order.

So, between, Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, and Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, I personally believe that 2010 promises to be a phenomenal time.  Thanks to the T.A.P. group, we hope you return with your own guests and we promise to treat you to another memorable trip through history.

Bon Appétit, First Class Maid, Jaynee

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As promised, here’s the update on Titanic Pigeon Forge’s first big party. Congratulations are in order to the Titanic Pigeon Forge crew.

Thursday, May 20^th, started as usual, guests clamoring to purchase tickets for a full day of Titanic exploration. The exception this day was that the last ticket of the day was sold at 2:00 p.m., to prepare for Titanic Museum Attraction II’s first ever fancy dress affair. A benefit for The United Way, all proceeds to the event going toward the fine work of the local Tennessee chapters of this charitable organization.

Caterers setting up their stations throughout the museum, florists delivering glamorous displays, tables festooned with the most sumptuous of cheese collections and cheese hourdourves. Homemade breads, and accompaniments, delectable fruits, crudités carved into flowers and dainty shapes. We must have had at least nine of these feasting stops, nearby local wineries had appropriate wines to compliment each type of cheese offered. Building to the end of the tour with desert wines paired with an array of chocolates, crème brulee spoons, pastries, wondrous!

Having been involved in many of these types of functions, often times cheese and wine parties can be quite basic, if not quite dull, this was far from that. Not only was the food presented beautifully, it was the finest tasting grouping of cheese and accompaniments I have had the pleasure of tasting. We as staff know better than to dig in as if one were a guest and not a host, but discreetly, tastings are essential to experience what the guest is hopefully enjoying. Top notch!

The guests did their charity proud, much money was raised, thanks and awards were given on The Grande Staircase, officiated by the leaders of the event and John and Mary Joslyn. Crew, myself, and Captain David in attendance. I would venture to guess there will be many more of these soirees in the future.

Titanic's Molly and Carter

Currently my favorite subject is our darling mascots, Molly and Carter. On May 24^th we were asked to host the Destined for Branson stage show held at Tri-Lakes Center. Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a reason I, First Class Maid Jaynee, never was blessed with wee ones. I have discovered I am a horrific stage Mother, with the protective instincts of a Mother Cougar. Not to worry, silly me, all went well, and along with Mother Mary, Kelly Kimball, Molly and Carter’s lovely Nanny, (dog handler), and of course, moi, they were appropriately perfect. If people could be so well behaved and beautiful, it would be a perfect world. Am I exaggerating? Well, as I have said, I’m a horrific stage Mother, and that’s how we are.

The acts on the bill that afternoon were quite good and I for one believe the audience should have been quite entertained, I know I was.

I’m back at the Mother Ship in Branson, Missouri for Memorial Day Weekend and I hope to see you there. If not in Branson, then please enjoy our new museum In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Thank you, First Class Maid, Jaynee

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But I know when I’ll be back again.  I’m taking a quick flight to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  Captain David, myself, and various crew, are winging our way to the Smokies for our sister ship’s first catered affair.  On Thursday, May 20th, the Titanic Pigeon Forge will be hosting an elegant benefit event for The United Way.  We have been asked to attend and of course help in any way we can, besides how could we stay away?  My blog will be brief this week and when I return I will fill you all in on our first big party.

First Class Maid Jaynee with Molly and Carter

Before I bid farewell however, Kudos to Molly and Carter, our adorable mascots and their three dog handlers, Kelli Kimball, Kelly Riley, and Kim Bright.  For the past three weeks, Kelli, Kelly, Molly and Carter, I and Kristina Hagey have been visiting schools with our pet education program.  Branson School for the first two weeks with first grade and kindergarten, and the Forsyth School with pre-kindergarten all the way through fourth grade.  The girls did beautifully, performing their tricks and enjoying all the attention.  They especially love their very own song, The Titanic Dog Song, which I had the privilege of singing for them and our young audience.  It’s a snappy little number, with a rag-time feel, and just perfect for these prize pups.

They have a full schedule at the museum, public appearances, and next week it doesn’t let up.  Plum Nellie Days is happening in downtown Branson this Saturday and we’ll be there to help with the judging of the “Outrageous Dog Show”.  Can’t wait, please stop by and see us, either out and about or of course at the museum.

Must go, but I’ll be back home to greet you with all kinds of news.

First Class Maid, Jaynee
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Last week I left all of you at the beautiful Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, in the Time Sequence Gallery.  Enter the Interactive Gallery.  Like Titanic Branson, Pigeon Forge has the three sloping decks, demonstrating the degree of slope as the R.M.S. Titanic quickly sank into the sea.  You Are There, on the deck of the Titanic as you try to climb the steepest of the three decks.

As in Branson, Pigeon Forge has created a lifeboat, same size dimension as an actual lifeboat on the original Titanic, this time paying tribute to passengers on lifeboat No. 4.  Passengers like First Class Passengers Madeline Astor and Lucille Carter, Crew Member, Thomas Dillon, Third Class Passenger Lillian Asplund, with her Mother and two brothers.  You are There as you listen to their stories as well as others that spent four to six hours awaiting rescue.

Tot Titanic

As well as displaying more amazing artifacts, this new Interactive Gallery boasts what we call, Tot Titanic.  An interactive playground for the little ones.  They are able to learn the skill of nautical knot tying, young and old alike are able to send telegraph messages with the help of a computerized telegraph that will display their efforts on a computer screen.  A pint sized ships wheel, where the little ones with the help of a digital movie screen, try to steer the great ship Titanic out of harm’s way….I was not much of a seaman, I crashed her every time.  And then my personal favorite, POLAR the Titanic Bear.  So sweet, the little ones are able to carry on a conversation through the magic of computer science with Polar, who magically can see and talk to the tykes.

Titanic Memorial Room

This gallery will then lead you to the Memorial Room.  Once again, as in Branson, a moving experience.  This is the moment of truth, if you have not encountered the truth about your passenger or crew member listed on your boarding pass, then this is it.  All 2208 names are etched in glass.  Divided in sections, first, second, third class, and of course the crew.  Slightly different then the museum in Branson, instead of survivors being indicated by a line beneath the name, those persons that survived are listed on the top of the column, those poor souls that did not survive are on the bottom of the column.  Grouped in this manner, one realizes the tragic reality that occurred 98 years ago.

Now, hang on, the Discovery Gallery is next, and yes, YOU ARE THERE!  When you walk through the dark corridor and into this gallery you are struck by walls of graphics and deep sea photographs of the R.M.S. Titanic at the bottom of the North Atlantic.  The gallery itself is dark with subdued lighting that recreates what it would be like if you were indeed at the bottom of the ocean about to discover the wreck herself.  In front of you, across the arced expanse of this room, are images projected onto the wall.  Images and film that were taken when owner of both museums, John Joslyn, took his own expedition to the Titanic.  Only the second to do so, he and his crew were the first to actually bring artifacts up from the sea floor.  All of this is realized in this fantastic gallery.  As you move into this fabulous movie- scape, you can look down onto what seems to be the bottom of the ocean, as if you are in the very same submersible overlooking the remains of the Titanic.  All of this is narrated through the sound system as if the explorers are discovering the Titanic’s remains for the first time.  The music used for the sound track to this experience is overwhelming and this tour indeed culminates into an experience of a lifetime.

I have just touched the tip of the iceberg in describing our new museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  You must come and see for yourself.  Both Titanic Branson and Titanic Pigeon Forge are truly experiences not to miss.

Thank you, First Class Maid Jaynee

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Last week I left you in Third Class at our new Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Leaving the Third Class Corridor, You Are There, in first class.  The Grande Staircase of course.  As in the Branson exhibit the beauty of this duplication of the top two decks of The Grande Staircase is stunning.  Above your head, the domed skylight in all its glory, milk glass with rod iron scroll work in an art nouveau design.  A crystal chandelier hangs in the center, the familiar bronze statue of a cupid holding a 24 karat, gold leaf touchier, beckons the guests up the double, oak stair case.  Equipped with an elevator the guest can either ascend using the stairs or travel upward on the lift, very modern convenience for 1912.  On the first landing, the famous, hand carved clock, entitled “Honor and Glory Crowning Time”.  Two angels on either side of the time piece, intricately inlaid in the oak paneling.

First Class Suite at Titanic Pigeon Forge

Now, You Are There, the First Class Parlour Suite.  A sumptuous parlour area, with an electric fireplace, the famous chaise lounge, Edwardian style furnishings, settee, delicate tables and chairs with the luxurious furnishings one would expect traveling First Class on Titanic.  The parlour suites were the priciest, coming in at about $125,000 in today’s prices.  These suites would normally include a bath, two bedrooms, the parlour, and a private, promenade deck.  The prettily appointed port holes on either side of the fireplace make the guest believe they really are there in First Class.  In Pigeon Forge, we have duplicated the First Class Parlour Suite of First Class passengers, Mr. and Mrs. Strauss, co-owners of Macy’s Department Store; James Cameron recreated this very suite for the character “Rose” in his epic movie, “The Titanic”.

Then next, the guest travels an expansive First Class Corridor, which takes them to the First Class Dining Salon, larger than the one in Branson, this room is simply lovely, mirrored walls, white woodwork, and display after display of pictures, stories, and priceless artifacts, help tell the story of Titanic’s First Class passengers.  Included in this display is the story of Edmond Stone, First Class Steward on board Titanic, his key, the very one that opened the suites of so many First Class passengers on D deck including that of famous film and stage actress, Dorothy Gibson, is on display.  This key was recovered from his body, and if it could only talk.

Captain's Bridge at Titanic Pigeon Forge

The guest now enters the Captains Bridge.  You Are There, the night of April 14th, 1912.  Telegraphs, the Wheel, phones on the wall to contact various, vital areas of the ship, one looks out, past the windows onto the exterior of the ship, facing the bow, one can only imagine what it could possibly have been like to look out into the dark moonless night, and perhaps see up ahead the specter of a gigantic iceberg looming right ahead.  This chilling realization is fully realized, when upon opening the door to the Promenade deck, a soundtrack begins, complete with the sound of frantic warnings and orders being shouted out, then the shock of the sound of metal being torn apart by razor sharp ice from that hateful demon of an iceberg.  On the Promenade deck, guests will experience the frigid 31 degree temps of that night, feel the 28 degree water that surrounds the deck, and be able to touch, experience, and watch our ten foot iceberg that grows and expands every day, You Are There.

Next, on to the Movie Theatre, You Are There, once again, watching detailed footage of the building of the Olympic and Titanic, the aftermath of the tragedy in New York, and the retriever ships going out on their sorrowful trek to collect the remains of Titanic.

The Time Sequence Room, as in the display in Branson, reveals to the guest how quickly the Titanic met her fate.  From the initial collision at 11:40 p.m. to Titanic’s last moments at 2:20 a.m.  In the center of the gallery, a thermos, belonging to Titanic’s second youngest passenger, Barbara West, filled lovingly with warm milk by her Father, given to her Mother, Daddy’s last gift to his darling daughter.

So much to report about this new and amazing Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge.  Next week I will wrap the tour up.  We are coming up on some new features I do not want to rush through, so until next week, remember whether it’s Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, or Branson, Missouri, when a guest experiences the Titanic Museum Attractions, You Are There.

First Class Maid, Jaynee

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