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The story of Titanic: Barker Mansion exhibit tells the stories of Titanic survivors
By Lois Tomaszewski
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — With this year marking the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in the Northern Atlantic in 1912, Michigan City's Barker Mansion is on board with its summertime exhibit that focuses on the ladies of the ship.
Using items in the Barker Mansion's collection, seven rooms are set up to depict much of what the lifestyle would have been at the time of the maritime accident. The stately dining room depicts what the first class dining experience would be like, with the china, stem wear, floral centerpiece and table lamps characteristic of the opulence of the age, said collection manager Bj Parmley.
Parmley, a Titanic history buff, researched the disaster and the period, wanting to put together an exhibit that would reflect the style of this period in American history and present some new stories about the disaster. While the exhibit has a Titanic theme, it is more about the time period, which happens to be one of Parmley's favorites.
Using mannequins dressed in period clothing with the historic character of the Barker Mansion as the backdrop, the docents can share information about these Titanic passengers. Parmley enjoys telling these tales and helping her coworkers and guests learn more about this important historic event, using a Michigan City resource.
Such as the story of Ruth, a 12-year-old girl, who after being separated from her family gave comfort to a grieving mother and gave up her blanket to warm a crew member who was rescued from the frigid waters and was at risk of dying that night. Ruth Becker and her siblings were on the Titanic on their way to Benton Harbor, Mich. for medical treatments. There's the story of Lady Duff Gordon, a European fashion designer, who started small and gained fame with fashion houses in several European cities and her American counterparts, including the unsinkable Molly Brown.
Then there are the two women who Parmley discovered have a connection to Michigan City — Fatima Mousselmani and Hanna Yousef Touma (later changed to Thomas). Mousselmani was on her way to America to be wed, which she did in Michigan City. Touma was coming to join her husband in America, and the couple lived in Michigan City for about three years in the early 1920s.
The exhibit is included as part of the guided tours offered at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 or those 18 years of age or younger.
By Lois Tomaszewski
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — With this year marking the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in the Northern Atlantic in 1912, Michigan City's Barker Mansion is on board with its summertime exhibit that focuses on the ladies of the ship.
Using items in the Barker Mansion's collection, seven rooms are set up to depict much of what the lifestyle would have been at the time of the maritime accident. The stately dining room depicts what the first class dining experience would be like, with the china, stem wear, floral centerpiece and table lamps characteristic of the opulence of the age, said collection manager Bj Parmley.
Parmley, a Titanic history buff, researched the disaster and the period, wanting to put together an exhibit that would reflect the style of this period in American history and present some new stories about the disaster. While the exhibit has a Titanic theme, it is more about the time period, which happens to be one of Parmley's favorites.
Using mannequins dressed in period clothing with the historic character of the Barker Mansion as the backdrop, the docents can share information about these Titanic passengers. Parmley enjoys telling these tales and helping her coworkers and guests learn more about this important historic event, using a Michigan City resource.
Such as the story of Ruth, a 12-year-old girl, who after being separated from her family gave comfort to a grieving mother and gave up her blanket to warm a crew member who was rescued from the frigid waters and was at risk of dying that night. Ruth Becker and her siblings were on the Titanic on their way to Benton Harbor, Mich. for medical treatments. There's the story of Lady Duff Gordon, a European fashion designer, who started small and gained fame with fashion houses in several European cities and her American counterparts, including the unsinkable Molly Brown.
Then there are the two women who Parmley discovered have a connection to Michigan City — Fatima Mousselmani and Hanna Yousef Touma (later changed to Thomas). Mousselmani was on her way to America to be wed, which she did in Michigan City. Touma was coming to join her husband in America, and the couple lived in Michigan City for about three years in the early 1920s.
The exhibit is included as part of the guided tours offered at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 or those 18 years of age or younger.