We will be speaking on our trip in 1996 to rais

On Thursday, April 28, 2011, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at the Willimantic Public Library, Anita and Ernie Eldredge will portray crew members who could have been on the Titanic the night it sank on April 15, 1912. In 1985, sixty years later, after a number of years of searching, the world got it’s first look at the wreckage site. In 1996 Anita and Ernie joined an expedition to view the wreck and to raise the hull piece. It is from this unique perspective that they will perform an interactive presentation on the Titanic for it’s 99^th anniversary month.

There are many myths and legends surrounding the sinking of the Titanic, some attributed to the 705 survivors, among them, the “unsinkable Molly Brown.”  Titanic continues to be one of the most popular topics in the world. The film, “Titanic,” was released in December, 1997.  Less known is the 1950’s version, “A Night to Remember.”  This film is based on the book, “A Night to Remember,” written in 1956 by Walter Lord recording many instances of courage not covered in the films.

If the crew had paid attention to the reports of icy waters earlier, the accident may never have happened.  The Titanic, however, was thought to be unsinkable and proceeded full speed ahead.

Before the program, from 4-6, children of all ages are invited to stop in the activities room upstairs in the Willimantic Library to make an origami “Titanic” to take home.  There will also be games children of this era might play, such as Tiddeldy Winks, Pick up Sticks, Checkers, Chess and other games.  At 4:30, staff at the library will read aloud excerpts from the fiction book, I survived the sinking of the Titanic by CT author, Lauren Tarshis. This book is written for older children, 9-12 years.

This program is presented by the Friends of the Willimantic Public Library. Become a member of the Friends and support quality programming at the library.  For more information, call 860-423-3859.e a large piece of Titanic.