Branson's Titanic Museum always an exciting voyage back into history is even more so during 2012 as the 100th anniversary of its sinking is remembered.
BRANSON, Mo. “The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson has boarded more than four million passengers since it opened in April of 2006 with many of those passengers being repeat passengers,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is constantly offering its guests special events, such as the National Ice Carving Association’s Championships taking place at the Titanic Feb. 4-5, the 100th anniversary special events being held in remembrance of her sinking and the updating and changing of its exhibits to provide guests with a fresh and exciting experience each time they visit.”
One of those new exhibits is the new “Molly Brown Gallery,” devoted to remembering one of the heroines of the Titanic disaster. According to information released by the Branson Titanic Attraction, “Her real name was Margaret ‘Maggie’ Tobin Brown, but the world knew her best as the irascible, indestructible Unsinkable ‘Molly’ Brown. ‘Beginning this month, hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction will explore the myth, lore and legacy of this larger-than-life Titanic heroine,’ announces John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions and leader of the first private expedition’s dive to the wreck site.
“According to Brown’s great-granddaughter, Helen Benziger, ‘My great-grandmother was born in 1867 in Hannibal. She made a name for herself in Denver, Colo., and around the world, with an indomitable spirit that charmed European society and helped her survive the Titanic disaster.
“I was about 13 years old, sitting in a darkened movie theater watching Debbie Reynolds in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, when my mother finally told me that the fictional Molly Brown on screen was, in reality, based on the life of my great-grandmother, Margaret Tobin Brown. Since that unbelievable moment, I have devoted much of my life to keeping her legacy alive.
“Now, I’m thrilled and excited to know that the extensive Molly Brown Artifact Collection will have a new home at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, not too far from where my great-grandmother was born,’ Benziger adds.
“Featured pieces in the collection include furniture, crystal glassware from Ireland, artwork, photographs, Titanic memorabilia and many other treasures gathered from around the world to grace the Denver mansion Maggie shared with her millionaire mining husband, J.J. Brown.
“Museum guests will see original costumes worn by Debbie Reynolds in the movie ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown,’ including the pale-green, elaborately beaded silk gown she wore while celebrating her birthday abroad in Paris.
“‘Helen Benziger was in Branson to help us launch the museum attraction in 2006. She inspired us all,’ says Joslyn, ‘and we’re honored to welcome her back Thursday, March 22, to dedicate our new gallery, entirely devoted to her great-grandmother.'”
For additional information or tickets for the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, any of its 100th anniversary events, the “Molly Brown Exhibit” or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.