Titanic exhibit comes to Danville

On April 15 a century ago, the most famous maritime disaster in history occurred when the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg, sank in the Atlantic Ocean and more than 1,500 people died.In honor of the 100 year anniversary of the tragedy, the Langhorne House in Danville is having its first-ever Titanic exhibit.The Langhorne House is the birthplace of Nancy Langhorne Astor, the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons. It has a special connection to Titanic since John Jacob Astor IV, Nancy's cousin, died on the Titanic.
Astor's 18-year-old wife, Madeleine, survived. She was pregnant when they set sail on Titanic.Actor Eric Braeden played John Jacob Astor in the 1997 blockbuster movie "Titanic" which is currently playing in 3D in theaters. Astor was the richest man on the ship.The exhibit features many reproductions from the early 20th century time period. There is a china pattern reproduction from the china in first class. There is also a poster from Charles Dana Gibson advertising a benefit for families of Titanic victims.
Gibson was married to Irene, Nancy's sister. He would later immortalize his wife as the "Gibson Girl." The exhibit has some very unique items to reference Titanic and the time period. A copy of the front page of The Danville Register the day the Titanic sank is at the exhibit, as well as a telegraph key and an old-fashioned exercise machine from 1912.The exercise machine is the most interesting piece, in Linda Weir's opinion. She is excited about the passion many people seem to have over Titanic memorabilia."It's sort of a nostalgia thing," Weir said on the popular appeal of Titanic and era in which it set sail.
One of the most prominent features of the exhibit is the clothes. Some outfits are reproductions and some are authentic from the era. Some members of the Averett University theater department helped set up the exhibit and said the wardrobes and styles of the early 1900s are popular to recreate."They just wore layer upon layer,Other than the fact that it make you iPad laptop trays manufacturers look good and important looking it is also very durable and does a very good job in protecting your iPad. iPad is very fragile and needs protection from scratches and dents. Leather protects it from all these because its stronger than other materials that iPad cases are available." said Averett theater teacher and costume designer Penny Sornberger. "But for them it was normal."Sornburger and students help to recreate the costumes to look authentic to 1912, meticulously putting on mannequins several layers of clothes and garments.Visitors can come see the Titanic exhibit starting April 19, when there will be an opening reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Langhorne House on Broad Street.The event is free and will have wine, snacks and a raffle for a hand-made Edwardian necklace. Those attending will also be given replicated passenger tickets.