The Big Piece

RMS Titanic, Inc. is an American company that has won the sole legal right to visit, photograph, salvage, and exhibit artifacts from the wreck site of the Royal Mail Steamer Titanic. On August 10, 1998, RMS Inc. successfully raised a large section of Titanic’s hull; affectionately nicknamed “the Big Piece.” Since that time, they have toured the piece around the United States, and most recently Canada, drawing large crowds and returning large profits.

According to the company’s website, “Conservation requirements to preserve the Big Piece for the current and future generations necessitate submerging it in a pool, containing a chemical bath, for several months (http://www.titanic-online.com/index.htm).”Unfortunatly, The Big Piece is not receiving any where near this type of preservation or attention. According to multiple accounts from individuals who attended the New Jersey exhibit, The Big Piece is displayed in a large, open pool, into which visitors throw their coins and chewing gum (see photo below).

Not only is this behavior blatantly disrespectful of this ‘tombstone,’ but also it is potentially dangerous to the very existence of the artifact:  What is known about the chemical effects of nickels and dimes on the big piece?  What about chewing gum? What about sunlight?

In response to an alert of the detrimental treatment of the Big Piece, The Titanic Historical Society states the only positive course of action is as follows:

1.Boycott the Exhibition.

2.Write to RMS Titanic Inc and express disgust regarding the treatment of the big piece.

3.Inform any mailing lists to which you subscribe of this situation and ask them to undertake similar action.

4.Construct your own web page outlining not only these issues but also the appropriate methods of protest.

An Interesting Note: According to RMS Inc.’s website, the company raised another, smaller, piece of Titanic on August 28, 1998:A gangway door from the port side, near D-deck (see photo below). So where is this piece? Why has there been no display or media hype about that treasure? Is it in poor condition? Did they damage it during salvage, or damage the wreck while retrieving it? Or, contrastingly, is this smaller piece in hiding, destined to be the company’s next carnival attraction after the Big Piece prematurely disintegrates from mistreatment?

Inactivity will only encourage RMST Inc to continue to mistreat these priceless artifacts. Please demonstrate your respect and regard for Titanic by taking the minimal steps in order to facilitate changes that will preserve her. Use the following link to contact RMST Inc. in order voice your opinions and concerns regarding the treatment of the big piece and her smaller sister. Please note, a statement of boycott of RMS Titanic’s exhibits in your correspondence will serve as maximum reinforcement for your opinions.

Contact RMS Titanic Inc. – Only Together Can We Make A Difference

The Titanic Stop © 2000