Titanic Tragedy Remembered - Library Program

Description

The R.M.S. Titanic.

Just the name conjures up images of wrenching metal, icy ocean waters, and everywhere the screams and cries of men, women and children.

Today, almost a century since the supposedly unsinkable ocean liner sank beneath the dark waters of the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, our fascination with the Titanic’s story continues unabated.

In observance of the centennial anniversary of the Titanic sinking, the Fullerton Public Library will present a special program Monday, April 9, about the luxury liner. The free program, which will also include screening of a short documentary on the Titanic, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Fullerton Main Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave.

A highlight of the program will be a presentation by local Titanic aficionado Michael Green on his friendship with Titanic survivor Edwina Troutt.

Green met Troutt in 1982 when he read an article about her in the “Los Angeles Times.”  Learning she was a resident, at that time, of Hermosa Beach, he contacted Troutt and a friendship ensued that would last until Troutt’s death in 1984 at age 100.

For the library program, Green will share reminiscences of his friendship with Troutt, who was one of the prototypes for the “Rose’ character in the blockbuster movie “Titanic.”  Green will also relate some of the stories Troutt told him about surviving that horrible night in the North Atlantic.

In addition, Green will recount his success in reuniting Troutt with the family of the infant she rescued when the child was pressed into her arms by its father as Troutt sat in a lifeboat about to be lowered over the side of the dying ship.

While the child’s father and 11 other relatives died in the sinking, its mother, who had become separated from her family in the panic, managed to board another lifeboat and survived the sinking.  She was later reunited with her child aboard the rescue ship RMS Carpathia.

An exhibit of Titanic-related objects will be on display throughout April in the Main Library’s Conference Wing.

Further information about the Titanic program may be obtained by calling the Fullerton Public Library at (714) 738-6325.

Persons requiring special accommodations to attend the program are asked to notify the library staff prior to April 9.