
Learn from the past
Tad Fitch is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and an active member of both the Titanic Historical Society and the Titanic International Society. With over 30 years of experience in maritime history research, he has co-authored eight books—three of which were nominated for the prestigious Best Book award by the Maritime Foundation of Britain—and his work has been widely cited in numerous publications.
Tad has appeared in documentary series including Titanic: Stories from the Deep and CNN’s How It Really Happened. He is also a co-founder of The Steam & Splendor Network, a YouTube channel and podcast dedicated to exploring maritime and historical topics.
Outside of his historical work, Tad enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and home brewing. He currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio.
*Tad is available for presentations, book signings, and interviews. See the Get In Touch section at the bottom of this webpage*



At The Steam & Splendor Network, our goal is to bring you high quality historical content that both captivates, and educates.
YouTube Channel &
Podcast
The Steam & Splendor Network: YouTube Channel
Launched on October 18, 2024, The Steam & Splendor Network is a brand-new YouTube channel dedicated to high-quality, original historical content.
This project is the result of a collaboration between Tad Fitch, his longtime co-author J. Kent Layton, and our colleague and friend Tom Lynskey—owner of HFX Studios and the popular YouTube channel Part-Time Explorer.
Our mission is to deliver accurate, engaging, and well-researched historical content, with a special emphasis on maritime history. We're committed to raising the bar for research and storytelling standards within the maritime community. The goal is to maintain the highest quality and accuracy in our documentaries. This isn't a channel that is focused on sensationalism or click-bait. To that end, we work closely with a team of respected historians, researchers, and documentarians, including—but not limited to—George Behe, Mark Chirnside, Mike Poirier, Levi Rourke, David Saint Pierre, Bill Sauder, Brandon Whited, and Bill Wormstedt.
While the RMS Titanic remains a core focus of interest, The Steam & Splendor Network explores a wide array of other ships and topics. Among them: HMHS Britannic, SS Californian, RMS Carpathia, RMS Empress of Ireland, RMS Lusitania, SS United States, SS Vaterland/Leviathan, and many more. Our content doesn’t just center on maritime disasters—we also highlight the happier times and full careers of these liners, the cultures surrounding them, and even the music once played aboard.
The channel is organized into several series, with episodes grouped into playlists on YouTube. Dozens of videos are already available, and we release new content weekly. We have some incredible stories to share, so be sure to subscribe and check back often!
Our latest videos will display below:
The Steam & Splendor Network: Podcast
Launched as a companion to our YouTube channel, The Steam & Splendor Network Podcast serves as both a supplement to our video documentaries and a source of original, high-quality historical content.
Join historians and authors Tad Fitch and J. Kent Layton as they dive deep into the history of the Titanic and other iconic Atlantic liners. With decades of research, they bring history to life through engaging discussions, expert guests, and exclusive content that preserves history while examining the facts and dispelling myths surrounding these legendary vessels.
Available on Buzzsprout and all major podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
We’ve chosen to keep our content on both the YouTube Channel, and Podcast, freely accessible—no paywalls. However, producing this material takes significant time, research, and resources. If you’d like to support our work, please consider joining us on Patreon. Patrons receive exclusive perks and benefits based on their level of support.
If you cannot commit to becoming a paying Patron, then please consider supporting us with a one-time donation through Buy Me a Coffee . Thank you for your support!


The Steam & Splendor Network
The Steam & Splendor Network


TITANIC: MUSIC TO REMEMBER--Featuring The White Star Line Quintet (Episode 2)

Last Of The White Star Line Lifeboats: A TITANIC Struggle For Survival!

TITANIC'S MYSTERY SHIP MEETS HER TRAGIC FATE -- SS Californian: "Death By A Thousand Cuts"!
Tad Fitch’s works cover a wide range of historical topics, all meticulously researched and written with a strong emphasis on accuracy, aiming to both engage and inform readers.
Books


Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography (Volume Two): A Greyhound's Downfall
By: J. Kent Layton, Tad Fitch, Michael Poirier, Thomas Lynskey and Levi Rourke, Foreword by Ken Marschall. The History Press, April 17, 2025.
Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography (Volume Two): A Greyhound’s Downfall explores the final chapter of one of the most iconic ocean liners in history, from the eve of World War I to her tragic sinking on May 7, 1915, by a German U-boat. This richly illustrated volume combines rare historical photographs and stunning computer renderings to bring her story to life, tracing how a symbol of Edwardian innovation became a wartime casualty and a global rallying cry. Featuring newly uncovered information that challenges everything you thought you knew about her tragic sinking, it offers a compelling reexamination of her legacy and the events that led to her untimely demise.
Illustrated with full color throughout.
Reviews:
"There are other books which have told the story of the Lusitania. But this one marks a new benchmark in the telling of the story." - Craig Stringer (amazon.co.uk)
"Drawing on thousands of first-hand accounts given by survivors and witnesses, the fabled 202nd crossing is retold in as much detail as possible." - Brandon Whited (amazon.com)
Lusitania: An Illustrated Biography (Volume One): Life of a Greyhound
By: J. Kent Layton, Tad Fitch, Michael Poirier, Thomas Lynskey and Levi Rourke, Foreword by Stuart Williamson. The History Press, June 13, 2024.
*Nominated for the 2025 Best Book Award by the Maritime Foundation of Britain*
On May 7, 1915, one of the most legendary liners of the North Atlantic met a terrible end via a German submarine, taking 1,187 passengers and crew to an untimely demise. The ship’s memory quickly became mired in a firestorm of international politics, accusations over blame overshadowing both the human tragedy and pre-tragedy triumph of this beautiful ship, filled with technical wonders and firsts. This volume, the first in a two-volume set, tells how Lusitania came to be built, shows her construction, discusses her technical marvels, and reveals her incredible 7½-year career, revealing why passengers traveled on her again and again, even after larger and more comfortable liners like Olympic and Titanic came on the scene.
Illustrated with full color throughout.
Reviews:
"A great work in both pictures and reading about one of our finest ocean liners." - G.P. Atkinson (amazon.co.uk)
"This is a beautiful, well written volume that would be a good addition to the library of any liner buff." - Henry Sincic (goodreads.com)

Recreating Titanic & Her Sisters: A Visual History
By: Tad Fitch, J. Kent Layton and Bill Wormstedt, Foreword by Ken Marschall, The History Press, March 31, 2022.
This captivating book tells the full story of Titanic and her sister ships, Olympic and Britannic—three legendary liners whose histories span triumph, tragedy, and wartime sacrifice. With vivid narrative by maritime experts J. Kent Layton, Tad Fitch, and Bill Wormstedt, and featuring original artwork from emerging artists, the book brings to life the design, service, and fates of these iconic vessels—from Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage and Britannic’s wartime sinking to Olympic’s enduring success—offering readers a visually rich and deeply immersive exploration of the Olympic-class era.
Reviews:
"Authors and Titanic historians J. Kent Layton, Tad Fitch and Bill Wormstedt are on top form again with their release of RECREATING TITANIC AND HER SISTERS. Extremely insightful, lovingly presented and stunning renderings from the many artists who contributed...For anyone who has yet to obtain a copy or still considering, this is one not to miss."
-Jonathan Smith (Amazon.co.uk)
"I'd like to thank my friends Bill Wormstedt, Tad Fitch and Kent Layton for all the hard work they (and many outstanding artists) put into this wonderful volume, because it's everything I was hoping it would be. You guys should be tremendously proud of your latest publishing accomplishment, because it's truly "Titanic" in every sense of the word."
-George Behe (Titanic Bibliophile Page)

Titanic: Solving the Mysteries
By: Mark Chirnside, Tad Fitch, Ioannis Georgiou, Steve Hall, Samuel Halpern, J. Kent Layton and Bill Wormstedt, Blurb.com, November 28, 2019.
The sinking of RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912 remains one of the most scrutinized disasters of the 20th century, yet some of its most haunting mysteries persist. Among them is the explosive claim that Titanic was already in serious peril before she struck the iceberg—allegedly crippled by a raging coal bunker fire that weakened her structure and sealed her fate. Widely publicized through documentaries, news reports, and books, this controversial theory has ignited fierce debate about what truly doomed the ship. Equally critical is the complex issue of time discrepancies between shipboard and shore clocks—a navigational puzzle that holds the key to accurately reconstructing the sequence of events on that fateful night. Now, a team of world-renowned Titanic historians and researchers reopens the case, bringing fresh insight and dramatic new analysis to two of the most pressing and publicized mysteries surrounding the world’s most infamous maritime tragedy.
*Available exclusively on Blurb.com:
Reviews:
"With this excellent group of Titanic and maritime researchers one can expect an excellently written book, and they do not disappoint...I truly believe this is a must have book for Titanic enthusiasts." - Céleste Laframboise (goodreads.com)
"A bit like Sea of Glass, I think it's going to become one of those must have books of the 21st century, just as A Night to Remember and Titanic: An Illustrated History were the sort of go-to books of the 20th century." - T.J. Cunningham (The Titanic Bibliophile Page)

The Unseen Aquitania: The Ship in Rare Illustrations
By: J. Kent Layton and Tad Fitch, Foreword by Mark Chirnside, The History Press, November 1, 2016.
Showcasing a wealth of rare and previously unpublished photographs and illustrations, The Unseen Aquitania offers a stunning visual history of Cunard’s most beloved and enduring ocean liner. Maritime experts J. Kent Layton and Tad Fitch chronicle Aquitania’s remarkable career from 1914 to 1950, spanning two world wars and four decades of service. As the last of the iconic four-funnel liners, she earned a reputation for reliability and elegance, becoming a favorite among passengers and the public alike.
Reviews:
"You Guys! You hit the jackpot! 'The Unseen Aquitania' is FABULOUS!" - Robert C. Ammon (letter to authors)
"Probably the BEST book in the entire "Unseen" Ocean Liner series - fantastic photos and information throughout!" - user Nachtjager (Amazon.com)

Into the Danger Zone, The Lusitania, First Battle of the Atlantic, and Liners During the Great War
By: Tad Fitch and Mike Poirier, Foreword by Hugh Brewster, Blurb.com, February 1, 2015.
*Nominated for the 2015 Mountbatten Award by the Maritime Foundation of Britain*
As World War I erupted, the booming transatlantic passenger trade was disrupted as many liners were conscripted for military service, while German U-boats launched a devastating campaign against Allied merchant vessels in what became known as the First Battle of the Atlantic. The declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare in 1917 intensified the conflict, drawing the previously neutral United States into war and leading to the sinking of over 5,000 ships and the deaths of 15,000 people. Into the Danger Zone vividly recounts the harrowing experiences of both military personnel and civilians facing constant threats from U-boats, mines, and enemy ships during sea voyages. This revised and expanded second edition brings this little-explored chapter of the twentieth century to life through rare and unpublished firsthand accounts, illustrations, and photographs, offering an immersive oral history of peril on the high seas.
*Available exclusively on Blurb.com:
Reviews:
"I read this early on--it's an excellent, and eye-opening account, of maritime losses in World War I, that'll make you wonder why anyone ever dared go to sea during the war...This is a timely and authoritative work, that'll doubtless be cited by PhD candidates and military historians for years to come." - Erik Larson, New York Times #1 Bestseller, author of Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin, and The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America, and Thunderstruck. (Amazon.com)
"Into the Danger Zone is packed with previously unseen photographs - some truly amazing - backed up by first hand accounts of many of the sinkings. The authors...have left no stone unturned to uncover many of these experiences. They are to be congratulated, not only for their exhaustive research through contemporary newspaper archives - but for the fact that many of these first hand accounts have been obtained from private family sources. For the maritime historian, or those with just an interest in World War One, this important work should not be missed." - Geoff Whitfield (Amazon.co.uk)

On a Sea of Glass, The Life & Loss of RMS Titanic
By: Tad Fitch, J. Kent Layton and Bill Wormstedt, Foreword by George Behe, Amberley Books, March 2012.
*Nominated for the 2012 Mountbatten Award by the Maritime Foundation of Britain*
Critically acclaimed, On a Sea of Glass: The Life & Loss of the RMS Titanic was nominated for the 2012 Mountbatten Award by the Maritime Foundation of Britain, and remains one of the most noteworthy books ever released on the history of the legendary Titanic.
In the early hours of April 15, 1912, the supposedly unsinkable Titanic sank on her maiden voyage after striking an iceberg, claiming the lives of 1,496 of the 2,208 people on board in one of maritime history’s most infamous tragedies. This meticulously researched and vividly told narrative traces the ship’s life from design and construction to the harrowing sinking, drawing on rare firsthand accounts from passengers and crew to immerse readers in the event. Featuring over 300 images—including many rare and color photos—plus scholarly appendices addressing controversial aspects of the disaster, this gripping book offers one of the most accurate and compelling accounts of the Titanic’s tragic story, with an introduction by George Behe, former Vice-President of the Titanic Historical Society.
Reviews:
”With the centennial of the sinking…I was hoping that there would be some gems published amidst the inevitable cash-in, ill-researched dross. On a Sea of Glass is absolutely one of the gems - not only one of the best titles published to coincide with the anniversary, it is one of the best titles ever published on the sinking. A critical appraisal and reappraisal of controversial issues, both new material and a fresh look at old, and a balance between the technical and human interest aspects of the disaster - this is one of a narrow selection of must-have titles on this subject, destined to be one of the classics on the Titanic story.” – Inger Sheil (Amazon.com)
"On a Sea of Glass is one of the most comprehensive factual and complete books dealing with the conception, voyage, and the sinking of Titanic…The immense work that went into the completion of this book is astounding, and accolades should be showered upon the trio of authors...for sorting through and compiling the information contained within this book. I place this book within the category of one of the best books ever written upon the Titanic. A book that should grace the shelves of every Titanic historian, or anyone just wanting to get the real and complete story.” – Pat Wohlin (Goodreads.com)

Report Into the Loss of SS Titanic, A Centennial Reappraisal
By: Sam Halpern, Cathy Akers-Jordan, George Behe, Bruce Beveridge, Mark Chirnside, Tad Fitch, Dave Gittins, Steve Hall, Lester J. Mitcham, Captain Charles Weeks, and Bill Wormstedt, Foreword by J. Kent Layton, The History Press, November 1, 2011.
This comprehensive reference volume, crafted by eleven international experts who have dedicated years to analyzing a century’s worth of evidence, offers an exhaustive and meticulously researched modern-day report on the Titanic disaster. Structured around the framework of the 1912 British Board of Trade inquiry, the book provides in-depth insights into the ship, the American and British investigations, passengers and crew, the ill-fated voyage and ice warnings, the damage and sinking, rescue protocols, the roles of the SS Californian and SS Mount Temple, and the lasting aftermath and consequences of the tragedy.
Reviews:
"No single previous volume -- or, for that matter, any reasonable collection of previous volumes -- comes close to matching the worth of this book...I have read very many Titanic volumes, and this one has immediately secured a permanent place on my bookshelves, handy for quick reference and thoughtful browsing." - Bruce Trinque (Amazon.com)
"There have been many books published about the Titanic in history, and no more so than for the centennial year. This is one book that you MUST have in your collection if you are a serious student of Titanic… This will be your reference bible for the centenary year discussions and for many years to come so keep it handy and nearby.” – Marcel J. (Amazon.com)
Explore Tad's scholarly, history-based articles that delve into unsolved mysteries of the past—each piece grounded in rare documents, firsthand accounts, and forensic evidence to uncover the truth hidden by time.
Published Articles


The Titanic Commutator: Articles published in the Titanic Historical Society's quarterly journal.
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A review of Samuel Halpern's book, Strangers on the Horizon, Titanic and Californian - A Forensic Approach, The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 45, No. 229, 2020.
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A review of Mark Chirnside's book, Oceanic, White Star's Ship of the Century, The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 44, No. 225, 2019.
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A review of Eugene Nesmeyanov's book, The Titanic Expeditions: Diving to the Queen of the Deep, The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 43, No. 222, 2018.
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"Titanic's Coal Bunker Fire," The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 42, No. 220, 2018. Senan Molony’s claims in the documentary Titanic Fire and Ice elicited a lot of feedback. Bill Wormstedt, Bruce Beveridge, Mark Chirnside Tad Fitch, Ioannis Georgiou, Steve Hall, and J. Kent Layton posted a very lengthy, detailed article online refuting and disproving these claims, and submitted a synopsis of this article.
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A review of Mark Chirnside's book, RMS Olympic, Titanic's Sister, The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 41, No. 216, 2017.
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"The First Distress Rockets and the Launch of the First Lifeboat," The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 33, No. 188, 2009. Co-authored with Bill Wormstedt and George Behe, this article examines several controversial issues relating to the chronology and timeline of Titanic’s sinking. These issues include the timing of the launch of the first distress rocket, and when the first lifeboat was lowered. A detailed study of these issues leads to some surprising conclusions that are well-supported by a number of lines of evidence.
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"Down With the Ship, The Fate of Captain Smith (Parts I and II)," The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 32, No. 183 & 184, 2008. Based on years of research, this article examines eyewitness accounts, personal statements, and forensic evidence to explore whether Captain Edward J. Smith, Titanic’s master, truly went down with the ship as legend suggests. Multiple possible accounts of Smith’s final moments are presented objectively, allowing readers to decide which version is best supported by the evidence. A revised and expanded version of both parts of this article was later included as an appendix in On a Sea of Glass, The Life & Loss of RMS Titanic.
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"Did an Officer Commit Suicide on Titanic? Shedding Light on the Controversy," The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 30, No. 173, 2006. This article, co-authored with Bill Wormstedt, is an expanded version of the "Shots in the Dark" web article as it appeared in 2006. Like the original, it investigates the long-standing rumors that one of Titanic’s officers may have died by suicide. Extensive research went into examining as many eyewitness accounts as possible, along with a broad range of supporting evidence. This work took years to develop and has continued to evolve, leading to updates to the original web article and the inclusion of a revised, expanded version in both the website and as an appendix in the author’s book, On a Sea of Glass: The Life & Loss of RMS Titanic.
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"Reply to the Departure Time of Collapsible C," The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 28, No. 168, 2004. This letter to the editor was written by George Behe, Bill Wormstedt, and Tad Fitch as a rebuttal to a piece by researcher David Gleicher published in the previous issue of the journal. Gleicher had challenged their conclusion regarding the launch time of Collapsible C during the Titanic's sinking. The letter summarizes key evidence that contradicts Gleicher’s claims.
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"Coosan Coleen: Bertha Mulvihill, A Titanic Survivor Story," The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 28, No. 167, 2004. Written with the assistance of her relatives, this biographical article reveals the untold tale of a third class Titanic survivor from Ireland, Bertha Mulvihill. She lived an interesting life, and this article’s focus is not just on what she experienced during the disaster, but also on her life before and after the sinking, which in some ways is even more fascinating.
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"Lifeboat Launch Sequence, A Fresh Look at the Timing of Titanic’s Lifeboats," The Titanic Commutator, Vol. 25, No. 155, 2001. This is the original research article by George Behe, Bill Wormstedt, and Tad Fitch, the result of years of work to reconstruct the true lifeboat launch sequence during the Titanic’s sinking. Designed as a framework for establishing an accurate timeline, this chronology serves as a foundation for evaluating eyewitness accounts and related events. Widely regarded as groundbreaking, the research corrected numerous long-standing errors and misconceptions dating back to 1912, and has since been cited in many books and articles. This timeline was utilized in a computer simulation of the sinking, which was featured in a James Cameron documentary for National Geographic. The article has been published online in a revised and expanded form, and continues to be refined as new evidence emerges.
Voyage: Articles published in the Titanic International Society's quarterly journal.
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A review of David Saint-Pierre's book, In the Wake of the Empress of Ireland, Voyage, No. 132, Summer 2025.
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A review of Brandon Whited's book, Southwest Virginia and Maritime Disasters, Voyage, No. 128, Summer 2024.
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"Titanic artist creates new visions of lost liner: An interview with Christopher Walker," Voyage, No. 128, Summer 2024. An interview with artist Christopher Walker, discussing his creative process, and how he uses technical data and research to create detailed and accurate three-dimensional renders of Titanic's interior spaces, including rooms that were never photographed during the liner's brief existence.
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"HMHS Glenart Castle, A nurse’s photographs provide a window into the past," Voyage, No. 124, Summer 2023. A study of a book of negatives taken by an unnamed nurse who served aboard the Glenart Castle reveals rare images of the hospital ship and those aboard her, prior to its tragic loss to a U-boat during World War I in February 1918. Previously unpublished photographs of the HMHS Britannic are also presented. Research reveals the story of those in the nurse’s photographs, several of whom were subsequently lost in the sinking. The identity of the nurse who took the pictures is narrowed down to three possibilities.
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"Readers express concern over Californian coverage," Voyage, No. 119, Spring 2022. Bill Wormstedt, Tad Fitch, Mike Poirier and Brandon Whited write a rebuttal to claims about the Californian and the so-called "mystery ship" that were made in articles in the previous issue of Voyage, by journalist Senan Molony. The purpose was to encourage readers to investigate the evidence around the case for themselves, rather than relying on assertions made in the articles in question.
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A review of Tomasz Stachura's book, Route of Death, Voyage, No. 119, Spring 2022.
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A review of Brian Duncan's book, The Ice Punch, Voyage, No. 114, Winter 2021.
Online Articles:
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"Titanic: Which People Were in What Lifeboat - A New Study": This 2023 article, by George Behe, Tad Fitch, Ioannis Georgiou, Bob Godfrey, Cathy Jutilla-Lamet,
Don Lynch, Mike Poirier, Craig Stringer, Geoff Whitfield, and Project Lead Bill Wormstedt , details a collaborative four-year effort by Titanic historians to accurately identify which lifeboats survivors (and some victims) occupied during the disaster. Using firsthand accounts, contemporary sources, and a structured rating system, the team analyzed each individual case without relying on earlier, often inaccurate, lifeboat lists. The result is a carefully researched and transparent study that brings new clarity to a long-misunderstood aspect of Titanic history. Results are updated as new information is discovered.
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"Abandoning the Titanic, Abandoning Reality: The Truth About the SS Mount Temple": In November 2020, a new programme aired on PBS in the United States. Aired as an episode of the Secrets of the Dead series, it was entitled Abandoning the Titanic. In certain other countries, the program aired under the title Titanic: A Dead Reckoning. The show featured a number of major historical errors; indeed, its very premise was historically flawed. This article, co-authored by Mark Chirnside, Tad Fitch, Samuel Halpern, J. Kent Layton and Bill Wormstedt, details these many historical errors.
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"Time and Again - Titanic's Final Hours": This 2018 article examones how much time separated Titanic’s clocks from New York time on the night of the disaster? This article—co-authored by Mark Chirnside, Tad Fitch, Ioannis Georgiou, Steve Hall, Sam Halpern, J. Kent Layton, and Bill Wormstedt—examines that question in depth. It uncovers previously unknown details about the ship's Magneta clock system, explores standard timekeeping practices aboard ships in 1912, and evaluates claims related to a chronometer recovered from the wreck. The article also analyzes how these findings affect the established timeline of the sinking, with surprising and significant implications. Originally published online, the article was later incorporated into the 2019 book Titanic: Solving the Mysteries (see book section above). It is no longer available as a standalone article online.
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"Titanic: Fire & Ice (Or What You Will)": This 2017 article by Bruce Beveridge, Mark Chirnside, Tad Fitch, Ioannis Georgiou, Steve Hall, J. Kent Layton, and Bill Wormstedt, is an analysis and rebuttal to the Channel 4 British TV program, Titanic Fire and Ice, which repackages the old, disproven theory that a coal bunker fire played a major role in the disaster. The facts and evidence present a powerful case counter to the latest revisionist claims. This article was incorporated into the book Titanic: Solving the Mysteries (see book section above). It is no longer available as a standalone article online.
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"4 Revelations about the Titanic Disaster": Written for BBC History Magazine's online supplement, History Extra, and published November 6, 2015, On A Sea of Glass co-authors J. Kent Layton, Bill Wormstedt and Tad Fitch present evidence that leads to surprising conclusions relating to Captain Smith and Bruce Ismay's role in the disaster, the fate of shipbuilder Thomas Andrews, whether one of the ship's officers committed suicide, and relating to the breakup of the ship. Unfortunately, it appears that this article is no longer available online.
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"Titanic Lifeboat Occupancy Totals: This 2011 article by Bill Wormstedt and Tad Fitch offers an in-depth analysis of eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence to estimate the number of survivors in each of Titanic's lifeboats. The study details how many people were aboard each lifeboat when it was lowered from the ship, and, in cases involving transfers between lifeboats or rescues from the water, how many were aboard when rescued by the Carpathia.
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"The Record Speaks!": This 2006 article by Sam Halpern, Bill Wormstedt and Tad Fitch serves as a response to Senan Molony’s rebuttal to our article "Setting the Record Straight." It details the evidence in support of the position that Titanic survivor Hugh Woolner’s testimony is indeed reliable, in relation to Molony's claims that it isn’t.
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"Setting the Record Straight": This 2006 article by Sam Halpern, Bill Wormstedt and Tad Fitch served as a rebuttal to journalist Senan Molony’s contention that Titanic first class passenger Hugh Woolner’s accounts of the sinking are unreliable. By sifting through the evidence, we conclude that Woolner’s version of events is actually heavily supported by other witnesses and evidence.
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"An Examination of David Gleicher's Lifeboat Launch Sequence." Following David Gleicher’s critique of our lifeboat launch sequence findings in his 2006 book, The Rescue of the Third Class on the Titanic: A Revisionist History, we examined his findings in detail in order to determine whether they stand up to scrutiny. While he makes many good points regarding the third class passengers in his book, we conclude that the evidence does not support his findings on the lifeboat timeline itself.
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"Titanic: The Lifeboat Launch Sequence Re-Examined": This article is the result of years of meticulous research by George Behe, Bill Wormstedt, and Tad Fitch. It corrects numerous inaccuracies in the historical record regarding the timeline of Titanic’s lifeboat launchings and the sequence of events during the sinking. Widely cited and referenced in multiple books and scholarly works, the article offers surprising insights that have reshaped our understanding of the disaster. It is periodically updated as new evidence emerges and represents an expanded version of the 2001 article, "Lifeboat Launch Sequence: A Fresh Look at the Timing of Titanic’s Lifeboats," previously mentioned in the section on The Titanic Commutator articles.
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"Plucked From the Sea:? Survivors' Claims Reconsidered." This article, co-authored by Tad Fitch and Peter Engberg-Klarström in 1999, draws on their respective research into the claims of Titanic survivors who said they were rescued from the water rather than having boarded lifeboats directly from the deck. In the immediate aftermath of the 1912 disaster, male survivors often faced harsh public judgment for having lived while so many women perished. As a result, some altered their accounts, claiming to have been pulled from the sea to avoid criticism. While the study is somewhat dated, it offers a balanced and objective analysis of these claims, assesses their credibility, and laid important groundwork for future research on the subject.
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"Shots in the Dark - Did an Officer Commit Suicide on the Titanic in the Last Stages of the Sinking?": This article by Bill Wormstedt and Tad Fitch was first published in 1999 and has been periodically updated as new evidence has come to light. It presents an objective examination of eyewitness accounts and other sources to explore whether one of Titanic’s officers took his own life during the sinking—a claim made by some survivors and persistent rumors. Revised and expanded versions of this study have appeared in The Titanic Commutator and later as an appendix in On a Sea of Glass.
A timeline of events, including book signings, interviews, lectures, and other appearances that highlight Tad’s ongoing work and engagement with readers, historians, and enthusiasts around the world.
Lectures, Book
Signings, and
Interviews
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April 28, 2024 - How it Really Happened, Titanic Part 1: A Clear and Starry Night; Titanic Part 2: The Last Moments - Tad and his fellow co-author Bill Wormstedt, appeared extensively in both episodes of this CNN original series. The official synopsis is as follows: Diving to Titanic is similar to preparing for space travel – it’s a very hostile environment and less than 50 people have ever done it. Even more than 100 years later, the Titanic is still leading people to their death. Recent advances in science and technology have led to brilliant new discoveries and uncovered move of Titanic’s hidden secrets, and this episode of How It Really Happened examines how the latest Titanic learnings upend our previous thinking about many of the ship’s mysteries and myths. Weaving together the narratives of the shipwreck on April 14, 1912 and a recent underwater Oceangate voyage to the wreck that cost more human lives, this episode features interviews with Titanic historians, wreck analysts, descendants of Titanic passengers, and writer and producer Julian Fellowes (Titanic).
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April 14-15, 2025 - Tad, along with co-authors J. Kent Layton, Bill Wormstedt, Tom Lynskey, and Levi Rourke, was joined by renowned artist and visual historian Ken Marschall, as well as historians Don Lynch and Mark Chirnside, to discuss the events of the sinking on its 113th anniversary. A recording of the event is available on the Part-Time Explorer channel.
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November 17, 2024 - S.O.S. TItanic screening, organized by the RMS Olympic Steinway Association, to raise funds for the purchase and preservation of the surviving Steinway & Sons upright piano from the Olympic's À la Carte Restaurant. Live commentary for this one-time event was provided by Tad Fitch, J. Kent Layton, Patrick Vida, and Bill Wormstedt.
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April 14-15, 2024 - Tad, along with co-authors J. Kent Layton, Bill Wormstedt, Tom Lynskey, Levi Rourke, and Alex Moeller, was joined by renowned artist and visual historian Ken Marschall, as well as historians George Behe, Don Lynch, and Mark Chirnside, to discuss the events of the sinking on its 112th anniversary. Tad, Kent, and Bill joined the broadcast live from the recreation of the Grand Staircase at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. A recording of the event is available on the Part-Time Explorer channel.
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April 13-14, 2024 - Live Q&A event and book signings at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge - Tad, J. Kent Layton, and Bill Wormstedt joined L.A. Beedles of The Unsinkable Podcast and Steven Schwankert, author of The Six, for a live audience conversation and Q&A session. Book signings and author meet-and-greets took place in the museum gift shop over the course of the two days.
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March 12, 2024 - The Belfast Titanic Society - An evening with Tad Fitch, J Kent Leyton and Bill Wormstedt. A recording of this discussion and question & answer session is available on The Belfast Titanic Society's channel.
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June 22, 2023 - A follow-up live radio interview that Tad gave on KNX News in Los Angeles, following the tragic discovery that the Titan submersible had been destroyed and all aboard were lost:
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June 21, 2023 - A brief radio interview that Tad did live with KNX News in Los Angeles about why people are so interested in Titanic, when the Oceangate Titan submersible was missing and being searched for:
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May 19, 2023 - Tad and J. Kent Layton, along with Mike Poirier and Tom Lynskey, joined host Alexia Thirumalai on the Titanic Talkline podcast special, Shipwreck Sighted: The RMS Lusitania. Topics include the ship’s history and tragic loss, and the upcoming Lusitania virtual museum experience and accompanying two-volume book set. This episode is available here.
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April 14-15, 2023 - Anniversary livestream and real time sinking - Tad, along with co-authors J. Kent Layton and Bill Wormstedt, along with Tom Lynskey and Levi Rourke, were joined by renowned artist and visual historian Ken Marschall and for the first time, renowned researcher and author George Behe, to discuss the events of the sinking on the 111th anniversary. A recording of the event is available on the Part-Time Explorer channel.
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April 13, 2023 - Tad Fitch, J. Kent Layton, and Bill Wormstedt were special guests in a live virtual event hosted by the Queens Public Library, commemorating the 111th anniversary of Titanic’s sinking.
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February 11, 2023 - Tad Fitch and J. Kent Layton joined host Alexia Thirumalai on the Titanic Talkline podcast to discuss On A Sea of Glass and Titanic in general. This episode is available here.
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April 30, 2022 - A 33 minute version of the "Titanic Real Time Sinking - Historian Edition" real time sinking recreation was released on Part-Time Explorer. This allows viewers to experience the entire progression of the sinking at 5x speed. Ideal for those who do not have hours to watch the original version. It is available for viewing here.
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April 14-15, 2022 - Anniversary livestream and real time sinking - Tad Fitch, J. Kent Layton and Bill Wormstedt, along with Tom Lynskey and Levi Rourke, were joined by renowned artist and visual historian Ken Marschall, to discuss the events of Titanic's sinking on the 110th anniversary. A recording of the event is available on the Part-Time Explorer channel.
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April 14, 2022 - Tad Fitch, J. Kent Layton, and Bill Wormstedt, along with Titanic International Society President Charlie Haas, and author Brandon Whited, participated in a 110th anniversary discussion hosted by moderator Jason Scappaticci and the Mark Twain House, titled Titanic: A Deeper Dive. A recording of this event is available here.
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May 9, 2021 - Tad served as a historian and voice actor for the "Titanic Real Time Sinking - Historian Edition" animation, which is based on the book On a Sea of Glass. This is a special edition of the sinking animation first premiered during the anniversary livestream event. This version is in high definition, with additional fixes, as well as the addition of sound effects, music and voice acting. Tad, Bill Wormstedt and J. Kent Layton also wrote the informational text for the text boxes that pop up throughout the animation, to describe the different events. This video is available on the Part-Time Explorer channel.
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April 14-15, 2021 - Tad, along with co-authors J. Kent Layton and Bill Wormstedt, served as historians for the On a Sea of Glass Live anniversary livestream and animation event. Hosted by Tom Lynskey on the Part-Time Explorer channel, the authors helped develop the brand new animation of the ship's sinking, and discussed the events that played out that night. A recording of the event is available on Part-Time Explorer.
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May 30, 2020 - Tad participated in an online Q&A organized by the Titanic Memorial Lighthouse group on Instagram.
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October 2019 - Tad was interviewed and appeared in multiple episodes of the four-part miniseries, Titanic, Stories from the Deep. This series, produced by Infinity Films and Director Shel Piercy, focuses on stories from the disaster that are linked to objects raised from the wreck, or from heirlooms and items still owned by descendants of those who were on board. Many family members of survivors and victims who have never been interviewed before appear throughout the series, and little known information is presented by the historians involved.
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May 22, 2019 - Tad gave a presentation and spoke to elementary school students about Titanic, at Applewood Elementary School. The students had been discussing the ship in class, and sent a list of questions about what they wanted to learn more about, when he visited. The students had also been comparing and contrasting the Titanic and Hindenburg disasters. Photographs and items related to the Titanic were shared with the students as part of the presentation.
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August 8, 2015 - Tad gave a presentation on the Titanic disaster at the Mohawk Community Library in Sycamore Ohio. The presentation involved an overview of the history, events during the sinking and impact of the disaster, and the personal stories of some survivors. Signed copies of his books were available at the event.
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June 18, 2015 - Tad took part in a taped program for HCTV, a local access television station in Hudson, Ohio, regarding the Titanic disaster and its implications. Fellow researcher and author Mary Ann Whiteley also took part in the program, and Dr. Joe Hoffman, the organizer of Hudson's The History Book Club, hosted the discussion. The program aired for several weeks on HCTV, and a full video of the program is available here.
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April 20, 2015 - Researchers and authors Mary Ann Whitley and Tad Fitch hosted a panel discussion on Titanic at the Stow Senior Center in Stow, Ohio. Mary Ann gave an overview about Titanic connections in Ohio, focusing on the 55 passengers who were traveling to Ohio, including many who were coming to Northeast Ohio. Tad gave an overview of the history, events during the sinking, and impact of the disaster.
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April 4, 2015 - Blog interview with María Neira Domínguez for the blog site La verdadera historia del Titanic (The true history of the Titanic). The interview is in Spanish. Tad was honored to be the first person they interviewed for the site. The text is available here.
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August 17, 2014 - Participated in a history book club question & answer/conversation session at the Learned Owl bookstore in Hudson, Ohio, along with fellow research and author Mary Ann Whitley, who wrote Ohio Tales of Titanic. The book club members read multiple different books prior to the discussion, including both authors', and asked very informed questions. Good conversations were generated.
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April 12, 2012 - Tad held a Titanic lecture and book signing at the Granville Library in Ohio, just before the centennial of the sinking. From the advertisement for the event: "Titanic History Comes Alive! Tad Fitch, nationally known Titanic scholar and author, presents an interactive timeline of events from that fateful voyage 100 years ago. Watch reenactors as they read first-hand passenger accounts, view rare photographs, and hear our Titanic ensemble perform music from the White Star Line songbook. A night to remember."
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April 9, 2012 - Titanic lecture and book signing at the Hudson Library in Hudson, Ohio. From the flier for the event: "Titanic Expert to Speak on Centennial of Sinking of RMS Titanic: For a century now the ill-fated RMS Titanic has been a source of fascination. Though many books and movies have been made featuring the Titanic, many have not addressed the effect it had on the people involved. On Monday, April 9 at 7 p.m., the Hudson Library & Historical Society will host RMS Titanic expert, Tad Fitch, for a reappraisal of the sinking of this famous vessel. Fitch will address the tragedy of the Titanic and inform us of the fate of the twenty-four passengers bound for Ohio who journeyed on this famous ocean liner."
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April 9, 2012 - Tad Fitch and J. Kent Layton each conducted a series of 12 radio interviews over the phone with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation affiliates. Some of the short interviews were aired live, while some were prerecorded. The topic was changes to maritime safety laws and regulations following the Titanic disaster. These interviews were conducted as part of the promotion of the book On a Sea of Glass, as the centennial approached. Here is one of the interviews, from the CBC affiliate in Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories, Canada:
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September 30, 2006 - Tad attended and participated in the Titanic in Toledo event. This was a symposium on the RMS Titanic, held in Toledo, Ohio, featuring technical presentations, discussions, and tours, including a visit to the museum ships SS Willis B. Boyer and SS Ste. Claire, and a riverfront excursion. Hosted by Captains Erik Wood and David Brown, the event brought together sixteen attendees from nine states for a weekend of learning, camaraderie, and shared maritime interest.



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Recommended
Resources
Discover a curated selection of websites and channels championing rigorous, reliable, and relevant content — essential resources for both researchers and curious minds alike.
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Atlantic Liners - J. Kent Layton's website, documenting his books, projects, and various historic tidbits about the classic ocean liners. Signed and numbered copies of the books he has co-authored with Tad and others are sold on this website, as well.
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Belfast Titanic Society - The Belfast Titanic Society is the only Titanic society in the world to hold regular meetings, bringing together descendants of those connected to the ship and Titanic enthusiasts to preserve its legacy. The Society hosts monthly gatherings, annual commemorative events, public talks, and offers expert research and consultancy on Titanic-related topics.
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Bill Wormstedt's Titanic - Bill's website contains a series of fascinating articles about Titanic, including about the number and identification of survivors in each lifeboat, the lifeboat launch timeline, a detailed analysis of eyewitness accounts of the breakup of the ship, a list of established facts about Titanic, a study of claims that an officer committed suicide, statistics relating to the recovery of the bodies of victims, and much more.
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Dan Parkes' Titanic Officers - A detailed and fascinating website containing a wide-range of biographical information on Titanic's officers, as well as their actions during the sinking.
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Full Steam Ahead Maritime Artwork - Full Steam Ahead showcases the hand-drawn artwork, specifically ship profiles and deck plans by Maritime Artist, Historian, and Consultant, Christopher Andrew Mulholland.
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George Behe's Titanic Tidbits - An interesting series of articles about various aspects of the Titanic, including the music of the band, allegations of shootings, the role of the SS Californian, and a number of other mysteries and controversies surrounding the ship.
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HFX Studios - The website for HFX Studios, the company founded by Tom Lynskey of Part-Time Explorer. HFX shares powerful stories through documentaries, film, and virtual museum experiences. Collaborating closely with historians, HFX is committed to rigorous research and honoring the lifelong work of experts to bring new insights to light.
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Imperial War Museum - The Imperial War Museum is a British national museum organization that documents and displays the history of modern conflict, focusing on the experiences of people in wars involving Britain and the Commonwealth since 1914. IWM houses an extensive collections of artifacts, art, and film, and features galleries on World War I, World War II, the Holocaust, and recent conflicts.
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Library of Congress - The official website of the United States Library of Congress offers a rich archive for exploring a wide range of historical topics, including ocean liners in both peacetime and wartime. An extensive online and digitized archive is available.
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Mark Chirnside's Reception Room - A repository of Mark Chirnside's groundbreaking and highly-reliable research on the Olympic-class ships, as well as other classic ocean liners. Mark regularly updates his blog, documenting his latest finds.
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Paul Lee's Titanic Pages - This website has a series of well-researched articles on Titanic, covering a wide-range of topics such as an analysis of ice warnings received by the ship, what eyewitnesses observed about flooding below deck, various topics related to the SS Californian, transcripts of survivor letters to author Walter Lord from the Lord-Macquitty Collection, and much more.
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Project Vaterland - Project Vaterland is dedicated to digitally reconstructing the historical ship SS Vaterland (later Leviathan) from 1914. The aim of this project is to produce a meticulous, three-dimensional replica of the vessel utilizing modern computer technology, and to generate impressive 360° panoramas from it. These panoramas are presented on this website, offering visitors an immersive virtual tour.
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RMS Olympic Steinway Association - The RMS Olympic Steinway Association is a legally registered non-profit organization founded in Austria. Their goal is to acquire, preserve, maintain, and share with the public the surviving Steinway upright piano from the White Star liner RMS Olympic's á la carte Restaurant. A nearly identical piano was lost when Titanic sank.
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The Royal Historical Society - Founded in 1868, the Royal Historical Society is the UK’s leading organization dedicated to supporting historians and the study of history, with over 150 years of service as a learned society, membership organization, and charity. Its mission is to advocate for historians and the value of history, build connections between historians of all kinds, celebrate the diversity of our historical communities, champion environments in which history may flourish, and facilitate historical enquiry through funding and publishing.
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The Titanic Inquiry Project - An essential website that contains not only the full transcripts of the American and British Inquiry into the Titanic disaster, but also the extant portions of the Limitation of Liability Hearings, as well as inquiries into the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, and Empress of Ireland disaster. These are available either online, or as downloadable .PDFs.
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Titanic Book Club - Titanic Book Club features a “Book of the Month,” publishes a regular newsletter, and focuses on promoting Titanic and ocean liner-related literature while fostering discussions around the ship’s enduring legacy.
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Titanic Historical Society - The official website of the Titanic Historical Society, and its quarterly journal, The Titanic Commutator.
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Titanic International Society - The official website of the Titanic International Society, and its quarterly journal, Voyage.
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Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada - Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada's main goal is to provide social and historical information relating to the sinking of the RMS Titanic, and its connections to the Canadian Providences along the Atlantic Coast.
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Uboat.net - This site offers comprehensive and highly accurate information on all German U-boats from both World Wars, including their commanding officers, operations, and all Allied ships attacked. You'll also find detailed technological data, an extensive photo gallery, and thousands of U-boat-related books and films to explore.
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Unsinkable: The Titanic Podcast - L.A. Beadles' podcast, which presents an in-depth and intensive look at the cultural history of Titanic and its era.