What Remains of the RMS Titanic: Recovered Treasures and Their Destinations

The RMS Titanic continues to fascinate people around the world, and even decades after its tragic sinking, remnants of the ill-fated ship still exist. From personal belongings to significant pieces of the ship itself, a variety of artifacts from the Titanic have been recovered and hold historical and cultural significance. This article delves into some of the notable items that have been recovered from the Titanic's wreckage, their current locations, and how they are preserved.

Notable Recovered Items from the Titanic

The Titanic wreckage lies deep within the Atlantic Ocean, yet much of what remains has been salvaged and preserved. Here is a list of some of the high-profile items recovered from the shipwreck:

Logometer: This device was used to measure the Titanic's speed and distance traveled. It logged 268 nautical miles from noon on April 14, 1912. Despite its historical importance, the current location of the logometer is unknown. SHEET MUSIC: Two pieces of sheet music have been recovered, including "On Mobile Bay," written around 1910, and "Put Your Arms Around Me Honey," from the Broadway musical Madame Sherry. These pieces are now a part of a private collection. Alligator Purse: Belonging to British milliner Marion Meanwell, this purse was recovered from the debris field. Like the logometer, its exact locations remain a mystery. Original Deck Chair: Recovered by the Mackay-Bennett, one of the ships chartered by the White Star Line to search for bodies after the sinking, this chair is now part of a private collection. Keys: Belonging to Second Officer David Blair, these keys were recovered from the wreck site and are now in a private collection. The Loving Cup: Presented to Captain Arthur Rostron by survivor Molly Brown, it is now on display at Titanic Belfast. Fosbery Lifejacket: One of only 12 remaining in the world, it was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett and is currently located in a private collection. Photographs: A series of five rare photographs from the Titanic's launch on May 31, 1911, have been taken and are now part of a private collection. Handbag: Made from alligator skin, this handbag was recovered from the debris field and remains part of a private collection. Tiny Vials of Perfume: Belonging to survivors, these vials were recovered from the deep ocean and are now part of a private collection. Chandelier: A part of the ship's original chandelier, now a part of a private collection. Power Device: Recovered from the sunken Titanic, its exact location is unknown. Pipe with Sculpted Bowl: Belonging to a passenger, this pipe, too, is currently part of a private collection. Battered White Cotton Gloves: Dubbed "rarest Titanic artifacts ever recovered," these gloves are also a part of a private collection. Last Lunch Menu: Belonging to First-Class passengers, this menu is now on display at Titanic Belfast.

Dispersal of Recovered Artifacts

After being salvaged, many of these artifacts ended up in private collections or historical museums. RMS Titanic Inc., the company responsible for recovering and exhibiting these items, has a warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia, where many of the recovered artifacts are stored. However, the exact locations of all recovered items are not publicly disclosed due to their value and sensitivity.

Protection and Preservation of Titanic Artifacts

Efforts are being made to protect and preserve these delicate artifacts for future generations. Experts work tirelessly to ensure that the recovered items are displayed in appropriate conditions, such as controlled light and temperature settings, to prevent degradation. Many of these artifacts also undergo minor restoration to retain their historical integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where are the recovered items from Titanic displayed?

The recovered items from the Titanic are mainly displayed in private collections or at museums such as Titanic Belfast. RMS Titanic Inc. stores a significant number of these artifacts in Atlanta, Georgia, but the exact locations of all items are not disclosed publicly due to their value and historical significance.

Why are the locations of all recovered items not disclosed to the public?

The exact locations of the recovered Titanic artifacts are not publicly disclosed to protect the items from potential theft or damage. Public disclosure could also lead to increased interest, potentially leading to unauthorized access or damaging conditions.

Is it possible to see all the recovered items from the Titanic?

While most of the items are part of private collections or are displayed at museums, specific locations and details about these collections are not publicly disclosed. Museum exhibitions, however, do provide a chance to see many of the most notable recovered artifacts.