Titanic And Its Sister Ships Topic Of Avon Program

Avon Historical Society

AVON, CT — The local historical society next week is taking a look at one of the most historical events of the last century, the sinking of the famed "Titanic" ship in 1912.

But program will look into more than just the Titanic and its well-known story. It will also delve into the Titanic's so-called "sister ships."

The public is invited to an in-person presentation entitled “Titanic and Her Sisters” on Monday, May 1, at 2 p.m. in the Community Room of the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road.

The event is open to the public, free of charge. No RSVP required. Masks are encouraged, but optional.

It is being sponsored by the Avon Historical Society and it will feature historian Philip Vitiello, who will open a two-month exhibit, by the same name, in the History Corner of the library.

He will provide details at the exhibit after the presentation for those interested in learning more about the three ships.

Almost everyone knows the tragic story about the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage to New York City on the night of April 14, 1912, hitting an iceberg and sinking with the loss of 1,496 passengers and crew.

Few people may realize the Titanic was the second of three ships built of the ‘Olympic Class’ for the White Star Line to compete for the Atlantic crossing passenger trade.

"The stories of Titanic’s older sister ship Olympic and younger sister ship Britannic are compelling stories of their own," the historical society wrote in an announcement,

This presentation tells the amazing stories of these ships. It covers who built them and why, and what happened to them.

A lifelong resident of New Haven, Vitiello attended the University of New Haven and is employed as director of marketing for Northeast Food Marketing in Stamford.

For over 25 years, he has been a member of the original Titanic Historical Society of Indian Orchard, Mass.

For more information on the program, click on this link.