Mennonite Mission to India

Annie Funk - Image by Cedar Bay Entertainment

Titanic passenger Annie Funk Story

At the turn of the last century most of the things we take for granted now, were just beginning to change the way people lived their lives.  Electric lights, automobiles, airplanes, cameras, wireless transmission, telephones, motion pictures were all new. It was an exciting time, but a troubling one, too, for a Christian based faith group in the small town of Bally, Pennsylvania. They were Mennonites, descendants of German  emigrants.  Throughout their history they have been a rural people, traditionally farmers who believed in simple living and in using the Bible as their guide.

This was the world Annie Funk was born into in 1874.  It was a world she embraced and loved.  So much so, that from early childhood she felt her calling was to spread God’s word throughout the country and beyond.  Upon graduating from Bible Training School, she worked with struggling immigrants in Tennessee.  In December 1906, her dream of becoming a missionary was realized when she was sent to India as the first female Mennonite missionary.

When a friend expressed fear for her safety on the ocean voyage she said, “Our heavenly Father is as near to us on sea as on land.  My trust is in Him.”  I have no fear.” In five years her trust would be tested as never before.

Arriving in India, Annie was filled with an exuberant sense of purpose and quickly laid the groundwork for creating a school and hostel for poor girls. She was deeply troubled  by the lack of educational opportunities for girls and was determined to help enlighten the community she served. In time, hard work and determination opened hearts and doors to acceptance and understanding.

Annie hadn’t left her post in five years, but when told her Mother was seriously ill she immediately packed her bags and set-off on the long journey home.  On her 38th birthday she boarded Titanic in Southampton, England, not knowing she had only 5 more days to live.  It could have been longer, she could have survived the sinking but in a final act of  courage and sacrifice, she got out of a  lifeboat  to give her seat to a young mother and baby.  Annie’s body was never identified.

Annie Funk will never be forgotten, her memory and charitable spirit lives
 on at the Titanic Museum Attraction.
www.titanicattraction.com

Veterans, Our Country's Heroes.

"Mom, What does it mean to be a Hero?", asked David. "Well, David, let's talk about this. Let me tell you a few stories that I think you might enjoy", said Mother. "

"Do you remember the story I told you about the teenage football player? He was driving home from practice during a really bad storm. It had been raining for days and the creek was raging across the road. He stopped in front of it and then decided he could cross, knowing that he was almost home. As he put the car in drive and proceeded through the water, the water swiftly picked up his car and began tossing it around as he was carried down stream. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in the kitchen chopping carrots for the stew, when I glanced out the window. That's when I saw his car and a  body being thrown around inside it. I quickly called for your Father and he ran outside to the creek. He jumped in the water just down stream from the car, grasping tightly to a giant rock. He waited for the car to come closer and as it did, he jumped to the car in the crashing waves and began trying to set the boy free. He finally was able to get into the car, just as the car high centered on a giant rock. He rescued the boy. Your father is a hero."

"But, I have another story to tell you. Your Grandfather was just 18 when the Vietnam war began. During that time, there was a mandatory draft in the United States. You see, our government wanted to send troops to fight and there would be lives lost. He was scared, but he enlisted without waiting to be drafted. He went because our freedom is something that he didn't take for granted. He went because he was willing to sacrifice his life to ensure that our free country stayed free for generations to come. He went to fight for you and for me. He is a true hero."

"Wow," said David. "Being a Hero is a big responsibility. I hope that I can be a hero someday." "Me too, son." said Mother.

Now through November 15, at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo. and Pigeon Forge, Tn., we honor all past and present military members with FREE admission. It is our way of saying Thank YOU for your service. We are grateful. (Guests must present a Military ID/Papers. One comp admission per ID, other guests in their party can receive the regular military discount by calling 800-381-7670 or by purchasing tickets at the door).


Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attractions

Join us on Facebook!

Visit our website!

Thanksgiving Traditions at the Titanic in Pigeon Forge

It's that time of year again. The leaves are turning, the air is crisp and cool and we begin to review our 2014 resolutions to make sure we have accomplished everything that we set forth to do. And, we begin planning our Thanksgiving holiday. I have heard a lot of complaints online this year about Thanksgiving. Why do we have to jump from Halloween to Christmas in the retail stores? What about Thanksgiving? Well, my friends, we don't have to conform to the ways of the retail world. We can give Thanksgiving the attention it deserves.

And at the Titanic Museum Attraction, our crew thinks it deserves a huge Thanksgiving holiday celebration. Why? We know that our Titanic Attractions exist because of people like you. People who love history and want to know more about the history of the Titanic. People who want to hear and share the stories of the passengers and crew who sailed Her over 100 years ago. We call you "Titaniacs" and we couldn't be more pleased with your enthusiasm and love for our ships.

Our crew family has a new tradition, 5 years running. We gather together with friends, relatives, co-workers, and patrons to enjoy a magnificent fireworks display over the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. This year, it kicks off at 7pm on Thanksgiving evening, Thursday, November 27th and is followed by a REAL LIVE Snow fall off the bow of the ship. It is our way of saying Thank You. We hope you will come tour the ship, learn about the families who sailed on Titanic, and enjoy a celebration of Thanksgiving with us. We'd be honored to have you.



 Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attraction
Join us on Facebook!

How to Travel To Branson This Christmas on a Budget.

We all have one; some are smaller than others.... A BUDGET. Gross. I wish I had endless riches where I could travel the world, end world hunger, and clear up the deficit, but I don't. Like you, I am on a budget, but still want to enjoy the season with my family and make memories. So, I thought I would share with you some clever ways to travel to Branson, Mo. this Christmas season and save money.  By living in this Gorgeous Ozark Town called Branson, Mo., I know some secrets to saving cash while having a blast and I think they will prove of value to you on your mission to make Christmas a success for your family in 2014. Here we go.....

1. Buy your shows and attractions in packages. Here is a great start - http://www.titanicbranson.com/titanic-branson-combo-offers.php


2. Pick up a coupon book like Best Read Guide or Sunny Day Guide.  They are in racks at all of the local restaurants. http://bestreadguidebranson.com/

3. Hungry? This website is a great resource for a list of all of the restaurants in Branson. Plus there are discount coupons available to print off. http://bransonrestaurants.com/place/

4.  Want a list of all of the places that Kids eat free in Branson? Check this out: http://bransonrestaurants.com/articles/kids-eat-free/

5. Don't forget to check out Silver Dollar City's Special Offers page before you pay full price at the door. http://www.silverdollarcity.com/offers.aspx This year, they have a gorgeous new Christmas parade complete with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and if you take the train ride, you can hear all about the birth of Christ. If is a great family experience.

6. Titanic is offering $3 off adult tickets on the website right now. This is a great deal. Click Here to Purchase: https://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/tickets/index_b.php This ship-shaped attraction is a hands-on learning experience for children and adults. The entire ship will be decorated for Christmas

7. Tanger Outlets in Branson, Mo. has some great coupons on their website here: http://www.tangeroutlet.com/branson/coupons OR you can purchase a coupon book at their office on-site. It is a really fantastic shopping experience. Plus, they are expanding and new stores are coming soon!!

8. Want to take your children to meet Santa? Stop by the Bass Pro Shops at Branson Landing. He is there, free of charge, and the entire store is decorated like the North Pole. There are free kids activities as well. http://www.bransonlanding.com/Directory.html

With this list, you can't go wrong. Your Christmas vacation to Branson, Mo. will be magical.
Even TripAdvisor thinks so! Branson, Mo. was awarded the 2014 Traveler's Choice Awards for one of the TOP 20 Best Destinations in the US. Make plans to come visit us and experience it for yourself. You can't afford not to. ;)

Sincerely,

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attraction

Follow us on Facebook!
Visit our Website!

MONDAY is Jewelry Day at Titanic!

Attention Titanic Museum Attraction Fans. MONDAY is Jewelry Day at Titanic! Each Monday in October, the Titanic Museum Attraction will feature a different 1st Class Jewelry piece at a special rate. There will be a limited quantity available, so don't delay.

Today's Titanic Jewelry Special Offer is this Beautiful large Cameo necklace on a 28” gold plated chain - Now only $29.99 + Tax and Shipping.
Click Here to Order: http://ow.ly/Cki0k

#ilovemondays #Christmasgifts #Titanic

Photos from the Abyss

Did you know that the Owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions co-led a team in 1987 Expedition to Titanic? His team took 32 dives down to the wreckage area and brought back these amazing photos.

1987 Titanic Expedition. Titanic Museum Attraction
co-owner looking through the porthole of the submersible. - Titanic Propeller 401

Titanic Museum Attraction owner, John Joslyn on the 1987 Titanic Expedition

Photo of ship, crew, and submersible during the 1987 expedition to Titanic. Our co-owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction was there.

Titanic Museum Attraction
co-owner traveled in this submersible in 1987 down to Titanic.

-Owner of Titanic
-Co-leader 1987 Dive to the Titanic
-Photo captures side of the ship sitting at the bottom of the ocean.

 

 

 

Discover more about Mr. Joslyn's dive and how the Titanic Museum Attractions came to be by clicking here. 

Why Kids Say, “Once is Not Enough”

Why Kids Say,

“Once is Not Enough”

Plus

New Gallery introduced.

                                       First Class Maid and Guest Blogger- JAMIE

The first time is magic.  The second or third time is magic magnified a hundred times over.  That’s what children tell me, in their own sweet words, of course. Over the years I’ve gotten to know many of our “regular kiddies” and I’ve asked them what it is about the permanent, interactive Titanic MuseumAttraction that keeps bringing them back?

First they say there’s so much to see and do that they couldn’t possibly experience it all in one visit. They also know that new exhibits and special interactive children’s events are happening all the time and that there are always, never-before-seen Titanic artifacts to surprise them.

 Now, of course, that could be because our dear ship’s co-owner & Admiral, Mary Kellogg, is constantly reshuffling the decks to make room for new and exciting Titanic tributes.  Admiral Mary knows how children think and what it takes to hold their interest.  You might say, twenty years as a Senior Executive at Walt Disney Company has something to do with that.

             Touch the Iceberg * Steer the Ship * Test the water * Talk to Polar

At the end of the day, I’ve come to the conclusion that children and Titanic were meant for each other, and so sayeth …..

“I thought it would be HOKEY.  And it WASN’T!”  Murphy Evans

“Our daughter loved the exhibit! She was so pleased when we told her we were returning.”   -   Times

We had visited the attraction twice.  Both times left us awestruck.  This is worth putting on your bucket list.”  - A Myriad of Thoughts

Now, I hope those of you who have toured Titanic before will bring the family and come back to see us soon, and those who have yet to

discover the experience of Titanic will set the date for your first visit.

Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN

Top 10 Ultimate Titanic Gifts

I know it's early in the season, but I wanted to give you a list of the most popular Titanic gifts to give this 2014 Holiday Season. If you have a Titaniac in your family, start your shopping now before everything is picked over. The Titanic Museum Attraction is the headquarters for everything Titanic and we are considered the top source of Titanic merchandise in America. So, without further ado....

RMS Titanic Smokestack Mug

10. The RMS Titanic Smokestack Mug -

“INTERESTING TITANIC FACT”

One of the most famous four funnel liners is the RMS Titanic. However, the fourth funnel was a ‘dummy’. This funnel was used for ventilation and it was thought to be more aesthetically pleasing.

Choose this fun slanted Smokstack for someone's new at work mug! It will definitely get people talking!

Titanic History T-Shirt

9. The Titanic History T-Shirt. -

Titanic set sail in 1912 and built by the White Star Line. Although the White Star Line was a British company, it was owned by wealthy American financier J.P. Morgan's trust, International Mercantile Marine.




8. Titanic opoly Game (Based off the popular game Monopoloy)

Titanic opoly

"We are enjoying playing this game very much! It is like being a part of history." - Susan Ray

Welcome aboard this exclusive Titanic-opoly game. Join your opponents and sail through Titanic history while buying up your favorite Titanic rooms and galleries in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class - but don't run out of cash. Try to avoid paying port taxes and watch out for ice fields ahead. Become a part of Titanic history while playing this classic game of wits vs. luck.

In honor of every child aboard the RMS Titanic, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of America chapters in Branson and Pigeon Forge.








7. Battery operated Titanic

Battery Operated Titanic

Titanic Battery Operated Ship will provide hours of fun in the bath or swimming pool.  Overall length is 12 ½ inches, 3 inches tall from bottom of ship to top of smoke stacks.  Adjustable rudder for steering.  Requires 1 AA battery (not included). 

Recommended for children 5 and over.







6. Rose's Hair Comb

Rose's Hair Comb

*AS SEEN IN THE 1997 MOVIE TITANIC ROSES BUTTERFLY HAIR COMB RECREATION”

Pewter & Enamel Butterfly comb
Enameled by hand using the French slang simular to stained glass “PLIQUE A JOUR”

Stone is a glass cabochon & the comb is Resin

Swarovski Heart of the Ocean Necklace

5. Swarovski Heart of the Ocean Necklace

No Titanic Gift list is complete without the Heart of the Ocean. 1 1/2” Blue Swarovski Crystal Heart of the Ocean Charm attached to a sparkling Crystal enlaced 18” chain.

2 inch extension included




4. Titanic Ship Pocket Watch

Titanic Pocket Watch

For centuries Americans have celebrated the people, places & events important to our nation & it’s communities.

Now we’ve captured that tradition with our vintage collection Pocket Watch featuring the RMS Titanic.

3. Titanic Cobi Block Kit (compatible with Legos) 

Titanic Cobi Block Kit

The RMS Titanic Limited Edition 450 piece Cobi Building blocks-
Size: 23 inches x 6 Inches

Compatible with LEGO Blocks

Not recommended for children under 3 years

 

 

 

 

2. Titanic Secrets Revealed / Treasures DVD Set

 

DVD Set

Secrets Revealed:

A Great Documentary on Titanic! Learn the startling facts about the myths, conspiracies and cover-ups that surround the greatest of all maritime disasters! This movie features interviews with Titanic survivors and shares details about the people and the captain who traveled on board Titanic. You will see real footage of the Great Ship and hear from Historians and Authors about what happened that night.

Treasures of the Titanic:

Never again would a ocean liner be as glorified; never again would a ship be considered “unsinkable.”

Join us in a bold and exciting expedition to the Titanic’s resting place 12,500 feet below the surface; a mission as technologically challenging and daring as a trip to the Moon!

Witness explorations in & around the Titanic; the retrieval of a ship’s safe, navigation equipment, china and more; plus interviews with survivors and renowned experts, It’s the complete saga of the Titanic, from construction to catastrophe, and, finally, discovery. in one compelling home video.

And...the #1 Titanic Gift for the 2014 Holiday Season is.....

1. A Family Pass to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. or Pigeon Forge, Tn. 

Titanic Museum Attraction, Pigeon Forge, Tn.

Keep the memories of Titanic alive with your family. Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction this 2014 Holiday season and experience an Edwardian Style Christmas while you sail through history 102 years to the story of the RMS Titanic. Come aboard and meet the Crew who tell these stories so that the they are never forgotten.

Click Here for Ticket information.



Be blessed and enjoy a wonderful Holiday Season.

Love,

Chief Purser
Erin Wicker

Life is a Journey, not a Destination. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

On this great adventure we call life, we never know when we will take our last breath. Therefore, we must dare to live the life we have dreamed for ourselves. We must take risks and actions to move towards our goals. We must not look back with regret, but forward with momentum. We must stop letting others define us and start defining ourselves. Because in one moment, lying in a bed, in a state room on a ship, your entire world could become a distant memory. And, with any luck, someone will be left behind to tell your story. What will they say? Start writing your story today. 

With Love and Blessings, 


Titanic Museum Attraction Chief Purser, 
Erin Wicker

5 Reasons to Visit the Titanic in Pigeon Forge this Fall 2014.

1. Fall in the Smoky Mountains is breathtaking.

2. For the 1st Time in the World, YOU can walk the Grand Staircase. It cost the museum over $1M to build and was constructed using the exact blue prints from Harland & Wolfe who built Titanic's original Grand Staircase.

3. You can view the ONLY Bible saved from Titanic. It belonged to a passenger from Knoxville, Tn. and it's over 100 years old. 

4. You can SEE actual artifacts from Margaret (Molly) Tobin Brown's home. Nicknamed the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown later by movie producers, Molly Brown was a famous Titanic passenger who helped rescue passengers during the sinking of Titanic and came home to be honored as a hero.

5. You get to meet the most amazing crew who spend their lives, day in and day out, telling the stories of the 2,208 passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic so that they are never forgotten.

Click Here: https://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/tickets/index_pf.php

Chief Purser

Erin Wicker

Happy Fall Ya'll.

Sleepover at Titanic - OCTOBER 3rd - PIGEON FORGE

Ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night "locked in" at the Titanic Museum Attraction? Now is your chance to discover what goes on at the ship of dreams when the lights go out.

Bring your girlfriends, your sleeping bags, and some snacks. Our 1st Class Maids are ready to introduce you to some of the little girls who traveled on Titanic. You will also get to watch a PG rated movie in our Titanic movie theater and of coarse you will get to explore the museum at night.

If this sounds like a great adventure, you will need to make reservations. This is a very popular event, so hurry and call 800-381-7670. With your admission, you will receive a commemorative patch too, which makes this event perfect for girl scout troops.

For Dates, Location, Times, and Information:

Pigeon Forge guests, click HERE.
Branson IS SOLD OUT! 

Chief Purser, Erin Wicker
Bringing you news you can use. ;)

Branson Twitter Take-Over TONIGHT

Let's tell Twitter what Branson is all about and win some prizes too. Join in on the conversation tonight on Twitter using hashtag: #ExploreBranson and #Titanic. We will giveaway prizes and talk about all of the events that will take place this month in Branson, Mo. Get the inside scoop and plan your Branson family vacation before summer is a distant memory! #YOLO

-Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attraction
Follow me on Twitter

End of Summer, Titanic Style! 5 Events You Don't Want to Miss.

Tomorrow is August 1, 2014. I can't believe how fast this summer has flown by! I wanted to remind everyone about a few of our events that end soon so that you could take advantage of them before they are gone in the wind, just like summer!

1. Today is the last day to take advantage of a very special FIRST TIME Offer. If you buy a Titanic Pigeon Forge ticket today using this facebook offer, we will also give you a ticket to come back for Christmas and see our ship decorated from head to toe in Edwardian style Christmas decorations. We will have fireworks and snow on Thanksgiving and Father Christmas will be around to make sure all of your Christmas wishes come true.

Click Here to get the offer: https://www.facebook.com/TitanicMuseumAttraction

2. Calling all Future Captains. Now-August 9th, when you visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn., you can meet our Titanic Captain. Why is he so special? Well, he has been to Titanic in the North Atlantic. Hear his gripping story as the lights shined on a ship forgotten under the sea. Click Here for Details: http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/titanic-pigeon-forge-news-events.php#titanic-captain

3.  Calling all Future Princesses. Now - August 9th, when you visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. you can meet our Titanic Fantasy Princess. RMS Titanic was called The Ship of Dreams because everybody on board had them; rich, poor, young and old. The Titanic Museum Attraction’s Fantasy Princess is here to help keep their dreams and wishes alive by telling their stories everyday - and to give hope to the dreams and wishes of a new generation of young visitors.

 Click Here for Dates and Times: http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/titanic-pigeon-forge-news-events.php#fantasy-princess

4. Girls who have dreamed of spending the night at the Titanic in Branson, Mo. or Pigeon Forge, Tn., now is your chance. In September, we will host a sleepover at each of our locations.
For more details about our Branson, Mo. Titanic Sleepover, click HERE.
For more details about our Pigeon Forge, Tn. Titanic Sleepover, Click HERE. 

5. Last, but not least, we have some amazing deals on Titanic merchandise right now. We've got Titanic beach towels, beach bags, RC Titanic Boats, etc and they are all on sale now. Get them before they are gone and we bring in our Fall/Christmas merchandise. Click Here to Browse.

That's my top five. I know for me and my family, we will be clothes shopping for TAX FREE WEEKEND, getting school supplies, getting athletic physicals, doctors appmts., backpacks, etc. The next 2 weeks are going to FLY by. Anyway, I would love to hear about all of the wonderful things you and your family did this summer. Just write to me on our facebook page. See you soon!

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser - Titanic Museum Attraction
Mom to 2 beautiful boys
Wife to an amazing Husband. 

The Man Behind the Museum

Ever wondered how the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo. and Pigeon Forge, Tn. came to be? Allow me to introduce you to the Man Behind the Museum. Learn how a movie producer from LA turned Titaniac after Titanic was discovered in 1985.

Dive to Titanic
By John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction

	John Joslyn

IN 1987, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Two years earlier, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute had discovered Titanic and now I co-led a 6 million dollar expedition to the site of the sinking.
Our team’s mission was to explore the wreckage, retrieve artifacts and film the broken remains. Standing on the slippery deck of our salvage ship, it was thrilling to hover more than 2.5 miles above the legendary Titanic.

Our team spent 44 days at sea and the expedition dove to the site 32 times in an amazing 20 million dollar submersible. We returned with hundreds of hours of haunting ghost-like images. They formed the framework of “Return to Titanic…Live!” a two-hour television special that I co-produced with my partner Doug Lewelyn. This special became the second highest rated live TV documentary ever.

After 25 years Titanic remains my magnificent obsession. I’ve dedicated my career to her and the 2,208 passengers and crew aboard its tragic maiden voyage. It started with TV shows and became these permanent Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN.

Titanic Museum Attraction Branson, Mo.

These giant museum attractions exhibit one of the largest permanent collections of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia. Inside, guests enter a unique world where they can climb an exact replica of the most famous staircase—Titanic’s hand-crafted Grand Staircase.

Titanic Pigeon Forge Grand Staircase

I want to share as closely as possible with guests what Titanic’s actual passengers and crew experienced aboard ship. Visitors can touch finely carved wooden inlays, grasp the wheel on the captain’s bridge, tap out messages on the ship’s wireless, feel an iceberg’s chill, stroll decks and galleries and listen to stories told by real survivors. I think of it as “Living Theatre” with guests as part of the experience. Plus it offers a realistic, interactive educational experience for students of all ages.

John Joslyn

Titanic Virtual Tour

Ever wondered what the inside of the Titanic Museum Attraction looks like? Maybe you live too far away to come visit us in person or maybe you have assumed in the past that the museum must be hokey inside. Well, my friends, I have a very special announcement. For the first time in Titanic Museum Attraction history, we are providing you with an inside virtual tour of our museum in Branson, Mo. Click here: http://www.titanicbranson.com/titanic_branson-strip-webcam.php

Scroll down past our outdoor webcam to the bottom of the page. Use your arrows on your keyboard to navigate through the different exhibits. Use your mouse to zoom in and out.

Share this with your friends and family on our social media channels. We would love your feedback.

Facebook - Titanic Museum Attraction
Google + - Titanic Museum Attraction
Pinterest - TitanicUSA
Twitter - TitanicUSA

See you at the Titanic,
Erin Wicker
Chief Purser