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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In both Branson and Pigeon Forge when a guest arrives at these museums,  they receive their boarding passes and begin their tour, they are there, in the moment, in the year 1912, witness to the birth, the voyage, and the disaster that befell R.M.S. Titanic.  We use the term, “experience”, to describe a guest’s tour in the two museums in our advertising, this is not hype, it’s true, and it is indeed an “Experience”.

This is so true about the new Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  Our Mother ship in Branson is a jewel, and both museums share the winning layout plan, but I would like to briefly describe some of the new features guests will experience in Pigeon Forge.

Titanic Pigeon Forge viewed from the road

First, when driving the expansive, six lane Parkway, heading south to Gatlinburg, BOOM, there she is.  The Pigeon Forge Titanic Museum Attraction stands out before the motorist up ahead in the distance, an amazing sight with the backdrop of the Smokies behind her stern.  Twice as large as the Branson ship, to accommodate the thousands of  Pigeon Forge visitors, her bow rests in an immense eternity pool, that waterfalls over three more eternity pools before arriving on ground level.  Placed in front on ground level is a huge anchor, same size as the original, giving guest’s perspective on the size of this vessel.

Guests enter through the Pavilion or if just stopping by to shop, we have a separate entrance for the gift shop, a charming building that’s more like a mini-department store, with glass cases to display jewelry and collectibles, racks of clothes, a candy and beverage department, and of course a mini-library of every Titanic tome imaginable.

Guests enter and receive their tickets in the Pavilion and there off.  Upon entering the first gallery, the launching area, one is struck by the recorded voices shouting out the various cargos to be loaded into the ship.  You are there, in the moment of loading the ship.  This gallery is so special, because throughout there are meticulous models of the Titanic, sectioned and exposing the interiors of the ship in miniature.  By pressing various buttons, one can see where they would be staying on board the ship, First Class, Second Class, or Third, peek at the Grande Staircase as it passes from deck to deck, the exercise room with appropriate exercise equipment, dining saloons with miniature tables, chairs, and people.  You will be able to view the cargo hold and see the only auto on board, a 1912 Renault, albeit we have the auto fully put together in reality this auto was shipped in crates.  You will be able to view boiler rooms, coal bunkers, I love it!  Like the finest museums in the world, this new feature reminds me of the fascinating miniature displays I enjoyed so much as a girl in the museums I would go to.

Titanic Pigeon Forge Boiler Room

The guest will meander through the Shipyard, a room dedicated to the ship’s architect Thomas Andrews, with his drafting displays, and of course the Boiler Room with an opportunity to hoist a shovel of coal into the fire.  These galleries are surrounded by huge graphics of the ship being constructed; one feels as if they are indeed walking through gantries, and dockside right alongside the great R.M.S. Titanic.  Not to mention the Grapes Tavern display and all of the amazing artifacts placed in cases all around.  Before entering Third class, an even larger Father Brown gallery, such an important room, these are the only pictures that survived the sinking.  Father Brown disembarked in Queenstown, Ireland, allowing us the privilege of viewing his photography.  Once again, as a guest, You Are There.

Here it is, Third Class, built to scale to mimic third class corridors on board Titanic, there is something very special besides the Third Class Cabin and the many display cases holding precious artifacts from R.M.S. Titanic.  The locked gate at the end of the corridor, beyond the gate a stairwell, going up, suddenly as the guest stares at that gate which holds such meaning, water gushes down the stairwell, filling up the glassed in area beyond the gate, once again, You are There, experiencing, even at a much welcomed distance, what those unfortunate Third Class Passengers must have felt.

I will begin next week with the second floor of this incredible Pigeon Forge Titanic Museum Attraction.  Beginning with of course The Grande Staircase and First Class.

Before I wrap it up for this week however, a shout out to a young man that will be visiting the museum this week with a group of students that he has tutored in his school on Titanic and arranged for this tour that he will be conducting.  He is a young man of 14, his name, Austin Dalton, and he is indeed on his way to a life as a Historian.  He has a passion for Titanic as many do and I consider myself lucky to have met him and I wish him the best in his pursuit of all things Titanic.

Till next week, remember if you visit one of our two museums, You Will Be There, and I will be right there to greet you.

First Class Maid, Jaynee

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On April 8th, 2010 The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri gave birth to a Big, Beautiful, Baby and that would be the Tremendous Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!  Now heralded as the World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, she is gorgeous and was christened into this world on a stormy Thursday at 11:30 a.m.  What a day!  A day that this First Class Maid was proud to help officiate.

Titanic Pigeon Forge Entrance

For months great artists in their field have been helping to develop, build, merchandise, and create this latest Cedar Bay Entertainment Venue.  When the day arrived I stood nervously at 4:30 a.m. watching the weather on the telly hoping that we would not be doused, we were, no matter, the opening was a SMASH SUCCESS!  It became an EXPERIENCE, thousands came out for the Christening, presided over by our creator and visionary of the museums, John Joslyn, special celebrity emissary in attendance, Regis Philbin, our little but extremely powerful Admiral, Mary Kellogg calling the shots, Captain Lowell, the world’s foremost Captain Smith reenactor, to physically Christen the ship with Champagne, the Pigeon Forge Honor Guard, Pigeon Forge Fire Department, Bagpipes, Singers to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the raising of the American Flag, and the cast of Titanic, the Musical from Nashville.  Thousands were in attendance, a sea of umbrellas surrounded our new museum, at the front were special guests, collectors and contributors of both of the museums, descendents and family members of R.M.S. Titanic passengers, news media from all the networks were there, including radio and internet.

Jaynee at the Titanic Pigeon Forge Grand Opening

I was proud to serve as Mistress of Ceremonies and to be seated on the stage with some of the most brilliant people I have had the pleasure of working with and calling friend.  On the stage were Danita Brown, Operations Manager of both locations, Branson and Pigeon Forge, her efforts and Titanic work ethic are an inspiration, so much strength in such a tiny frame, Paul Burns, our museum curator whose expertise, keen eye, and Titanic Knowledge is what makes our museums credible and of the highest standard, Robert Fleming an Interior Design Artist and Architect whose specialty is creating the interiors of our museum, creating a world outside the everyday transporting our guests to “Titanic” world, 1912.  Frank Turner, MY GOD!  He built the place, both places.  His expertise at building these museums and his phenomenal crew staggers the mind.  Jeanie Waters-Hill, she painstakingly dresses every gallery, every display case, every bit of signage, every specialty interior decorative detail from wallpaper, veneers, gold leafing, lost arts that she is capable of recreating.  She finds appropriate furnishings, artwork, antiques, she is incomparable.  Kristy Merritt, Director of Marketing, our Broker to the World, she has been up night and day booking tours, dates, getting the word out to the public with advertising, ticket agencies, and the great art of sales, without which all of us could just go home.  All of us were honored to be joined by Community Leaders like our Pigeon Forge Mayor, the Honorable Keith Whaley, Erline Teaster, Pigeon Forge City Manager, Dennis Verble, President of Citizens Community Bank, and a representative from the Tennessee Department of Tourism and the Governor’s Office, Phyllis Qualla-Brooks.  Quite a roster!  I was so proud, not only of this new Beauty of a Museum, but of our Mother Ship in Branson, without her great success we would not be able to produce this Amazing museum in Pigeon Forge.  I was so proud of the fine work that First Class Maid Jamie performed, coming early to train the new crew.  Her finesse and knowledge were jewels, gifted to all our new First Class Maids and Officers, how lucky they are to have such a poised and lovely tutor.  They all blossomed under her protective hand and I was so impressed with their “Grace under Fire”, that opening weekend.  Due in large part to the preparation they received by First Class Maid Jamie.  Officer Mark was a joy to watch training and helping the Gift Shop crew, I have never seen a man work so diligently or swiftly then Officer Mark did that Opening weekend.

The success of the crew was in large part due to the casting abilities of Officer Sean and Officer Danita, they handpicked Pigeon Forge chief officers, Officer Lesley, Officer Jeffrey, and Officer Matt, all three shone and certainly stepped up to amazing responsibilities.  Kudos to all!

We opened Thursday the 8th, April 9th we had a free concert featuring the Liverpool Legends and Louise Harrison, great fun to have the boys, and on Saturday the 10th the Opening weekend wrapped up with Neal McCoy, an outstanding entertainer that thrilled the thousands that showed, and ended with a 30 minute fireworks display choreographed to James Cameron’s Titanic Movie theme song, “My Heart Will Go On”.  What else?  This maid quite frankly was stunned.

Next week I will walk you through the new museum, but I just had to share that stunning opening.  I will be in both places they tell me, so to both my homes, and my new friends in Tennessee, always know, “I’ll be right here or there to greet you!”

First Class Maid Jaynee

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Thank you everyone that sent in their letters to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.  The first of many winners have been drawn and include the following:  Angie Cooper from Little Rock, Arkansas, Bonnie O’Rourke from Springfield, Missouri, Linda Thomas from Kansas City, Missouri, Michelle Napier from Little Rock, Arkansas, and Susana Medina, from Garland, Texas.

Congratulations to all! And the winners will receive a personal visit with Molly and Carter, our two King Charles Spaniel Mascots, along with a photo opportunity with them on The Grande Staircase, and of course, Titanic Museum Passes!  Thanks for participating and stay tuned for many more opportunities at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri and very soon, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, opening April 8th.

Tatanic drawing by Trey McCollough, age 10

Children have become such an integral part of our museum here in Branson, Missouri, and I am confident in our new sister ship in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that I consider them our anchor and foundation.  The curiosity they all seem to share about this horrific event that occurred nearly 100 years ago is astounding.  I perceive much of the fascination is that although hugely child friendly the museums never talk down to children about the events that took place, naturally we approach our younger set with a more sensitive side, depending on their age, and yet I find the children appreciate what happened sometimes with more adult clarity then our grown up visitors.

The children that come to the museum know that there were other children on board that had to face the horrific reality that the great and beautiful R. M.S. Titanic, the greatest ship that had ever been built, was sinking beneath their tiny feet.  It seems to give our younger guests courage, realizing what their young counterparts had to face back in 1912.  Our boy guests argue among each other how they would save themselves, how they would rescue their families, or even their pets.  The girl’s scheme and plot on what they would do to get all of their families on board life boats and dream of the beautiful finery they would be wearing if they were First Class passengers on board Titanic.

Many children were lost on Titanic, and yet many survived despite incredible odds.  Our oldest living passenger, Milvina Dean who just recently passed last May, was only 9 weeks old when rescued from Titanic, transported onto the rescue ship in a burlap bag.  The Navratril twins, abducted by their Father from their Mother, survived without their Dad, and for weeks were without parents in New York until their Mother discovered their fate and proved she was the rightful parent.  Little Frankie Goldsmith, nine years old and a Third Class Passenger, lost his Father and family Friend, Thomas Theobold, but survived with his Mother and his family visits our Museum quite regularly.  A star child, Robert Douglass Spedden from First Class survived with his entire family and his stuffed polar bear only to be killed in an automobile accident three years after the Titanic Sinking.  His story lives on with the story his Mother composed of the tragedy, Polar the Titanic Story.  The tragedy told through the eyes of a stuffed Polar Bear.

Other children were not so lucky; a family of 11, the Sage family was all lost on board Titanic.  Alma Pallson and her four children died in the sinking and their bodies were never found, or so they thought.  Authorities have now concluded that the little boy that for years could not be identified, through DNA testing seems to have been one of the Pallson children.

These small souls that perished on Titanic, or survived and have now passed away haunt us all each day at The Titanic Museum Attraction.  Their stories and their lives reach out to us, especially the children that come to visit us here.

Titanic crew honors Captain Jacob! God bless you.

I make mention of them in this week’s blog to pay tribute to a young boy of only eight.  His Mother recently sent us a letter regarding Jacob’s absolute fascination with Titanic since he was four years old.  She had read him the book, Titanic, Lost and Found at the tender age of four and he was hooked.  He cried for the victims and he wanted more than anything to visit our museum.  In the letter Jacob’s Mother describes how his interest in Titanic was all consuming and he dreamed of one day being a ship’s Captain like our Captain Smith.  Jacob became very ill with brain cancer and died before he was able to visit our museum, but his Mother wanted us to know how disappointed he had been when their visit was canceled and how much he thought of the museum and the Titanic daily.  So tragic, like the deaths of the children on board Titanic.  I can only hope that the gentle souls that were aboard the great ship Titanic have embraced Jacob and they frolic on the decks of the great liner in a heavenly place free from killing icebergs and tumors.

Stories like these keep us all grounded at the museum and remind us how important it is to keep history alive.  We invite you to come and pay tribute to all of the passengers on board the great ship Titanic, especially the children and most of all too all the Jacobs in this world with bigger than life dreams that hopefully will someday be fulfilled.

First Class Maid, Jaynee
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