Historic Artifact on Display at Pigeon Forge Museum for a Limited Time
A Bible that survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 has been carefully preserved, and is now on display at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.
As the only Bible to survive the shipwreck, the book was dedicated in a special National Day of Prayer ceremony at the museum and will be on display for guests until August.
According to local news source WBIR, the Bible was owned by Reverend Robert J Bateman. Born in Bristol, England, Bateman moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, in the late 1800’s. In 1912, he returned to England for a short visit, and booked his return passage to America on the Titanic.
Reverend Bateman conducted the ship’s one religious ceremony only a day before sinking. Like so many, Bateman was lost during the shipwreck, but his Bible survived. Bateman gave the book to his sister-in-law the night the ship sunk, and she then returned it to Bateman’s widow when she arrived in America.
Titanic Museum’s Tributes to History
Passengers aboard the permanent attraction receive a boarding pass from a real passenger, so each person can track their passenger’s whereabouts through the interactive tour. Filled with over 400 historical artifacts valued at over $4 million, kids and adults can enjoy steering the ship, touching the icy water and viewing pieces of history.
The museum has displayed a number of historic items from the shipwreck including a violin played by RMS Titanic bandleader Wallace Hartley. Known as the “Holy Grail” of historical memorabilia by Titanic experts, the violin was played by Hartley the final night of the voyage. Visitors may also recall the unforgettable tribute to the 133 children who were aboard during the journey.
Most recently, the Titanic Museum opened a new exhibit featuring larger-than-life personality Molly Brown. The 2014 Unsinkable Molly Brown exhibit is currently open to the public, featuring personal possessions, private papers and cherished belongings.
To purchase tickets to the permanent Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, or to learn more about the displays and exhibits, give them a call at (800) 381-7670.
For information about other historical attractions and museums in the Smoky Mountains, click Visit My Smokies’ Attractions tab Here you’ll find a variety of things to do, ranging from theme parks to educational outings that the entire family can enjoy.
