Friday, February 10, 2012

Last Dinner on the RMS Titanic


Given the arrogance and contempt for the poor, blacks, Hispanics - basically every one other than white conservative Christians (preferably with lots of money) on display in the Virginia General Assembly, it is perhaps fitting that the Mariners Museum in nearby Newport News will be hosting a major fundraiser event on April 14, 2012, to mark the 100th anniversary of the night the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and subsequently sank two hours and forty minutes later. At the time, little did the ruling classes realize that within a decade their world would be markedly changed particularly after World War I swept away numerous monarchies and never again would class distinction s and barriers be as powerful. Not, of course, that the Republican Party is not actively trying to bring back that bygone age. The country is experiencing wealth disparities likely last seen a century ago and as Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, and others are demonstrating, contempt for the poor and minorities are at a new high amongst the GOP base. One can only hope that the current GOP meets a fate akin to that of the Titanic.

But I digress. The Mariners Museum is a wonderful facility and has artifacts that range from the turret of the ironclad U.S.S. Monitor to items from the super liner U.S.S. United States to a collection of vintage Chris-Craft runabouts. The event is pricey because of its fundraiser objective. Here's a description from the Museum's website:
On the evening of Saturday, April 14, 2012, we will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RMS Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage with a black-tie Last Dinner on the Titanic event. Participants will dine in either “first class” or "third class" style as they mingle with “passengers” from the past. We’ll conclude with a special remembrance at the exact time the ship struck the iceberg. Proceeds from this event will support the 2012 programs and exhibitions at The Mariners’ Museum.

First Class Dinner in the Museum Grand Lobby

The experience begins at 6:30 p.m. as you are greeted by Captain Edward J. Smith and welcomed into the Grand Salon of the RMS Titanic. A sumptuous 5-course re-creation of the Last Dinner awaits you as you are serenaded by the sounds of a chamber quartet. Enjoy the company of John Jacob Astor & Benjamin Guggenheim.

$250 per person, $2,500 per table (seats 8), Black tie or period costume.

Third Class “The Real Party” in the Huntington Room

This event begins at 7:30 p.m. when you pass through Immigration inspection and are sent to the Dining Hall. There you will enjoy hearty fare & beverages and enjoy rousing Irish tunes.

$125 per person, Period costume optional.


Yes, the Boyfriend and I will be attending and we will be taking my youngest daughter with us a birthday gift. A neighbor is on the Museum's board and we fully support the Museum's mission. More information on the event can be found here. We have one friend who is going that we think would make a perfect "Unsinkable Molly Brown." We love her to death and she's a great ally to the LGBT community.

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