15-04-2025
113 Years Later: Titanic artifacts on display in Branson
It was 113 years ago today, on April 15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic.
Of the total 2,240 passengers and crew on board, more than 1,500 lives were lost and 706 survived.
As part of Titanic Remembrance Week, the anniversary is being marked with a special event at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri.
On April 16th and 17th, the attraction is welcoming back one of its most dedicated and long-standing collectors, Tony Probst, for a special visit.
Probst is one of the museum's original five collectors, first partnering with the attraction in 2001.
Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl caught up with Tony Probst, as well as First Class Maid Jamie Terrell to talk about the displays visitors will be able to see. You can watch their full discussion in the video above.
Probst and Terrell were also joined by Claire Centko, a descendant of a Titanic survivor. Her great-grandmother Hilda Maria Hellstrom was a 3rd class passenger.
The museum says Tony's private collection is recognized among the top five in the world and many of his rare and historic artifacts have been featured in the Titanic Museum Attraction's galleries.
This week, Probst returns for the first time since the Titanic Museum's grand opening in 2006.
Here's a look at what people can expect when visiting the Probst's display this Wednesday and Thursday:
A Historic Interview: Lifeboat Plaques
Probst will be filming an in-depth interview with the museum attraction about his ownership of the Lifeboat Plaque from Lifeboat #12, a symbolic piece of Titanic history. He previously owned the only other known plaque from that same lifeboat, which now belongs to musician and collector Rick Springfield. Both plaques currently are on display, bringing together five of the 14 known life jackets left to exist from the RMS Titanic.
An Exclusive Display: Rare Titanic China Collection
Probst also owns the largest known collection of Spode-designed China believed to have been originally made for Titanic in 1911. This striking set features cobalt blue and gilt with the OSNC emblem at the center, a design so rare it was later featured on the Olympic, which is Titanic's sister ship. During his visit, the Titanic Museum will be documenting this complete collection in photographs.
A Special Week of Reflection
Probst's visit to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, MO coincides with Titanic Remembrance Week, and this important collector's presence and contributions will add a meaningful layer to this commemorative time. These special events will be open to the public.
To find out more details visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson's website.
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