TITANIC WEEK, DAY 4

Today's question for Doug involves a resource in our area, the Titanic Historical Society. It was created in 1963 by Edward Kamuda, who back in the 1950s reached out to the survivors of the Titanic, asking them if they would be willing to share their memories. He created the first LP album recording of them sharing those memories. Various people also donated their souvenirs--including a square of carpet from the ship!

Have you been to the Titanic Historical Society's museum in Indian Orchard [a neighborhood in Springfield, MA]? If so, what's it like? What's the best part?

Doug's reply:

Yes, several times. I actually met the founder of the Titanic Historical Society, Ed Kamuda, a few years before his passing. The first time I met him, he gave me a little pop quiz on ocean liners, and I got them all right, and he said to my mother, "You got an expert right here." You never forget things like that.

I think the best part is that it was established in my hometown, and that’s something positive I can say about the city where I grew up. Also, two of Titanic’s passengers who died lived in Springfield. Milton Long, son of Judge Charles Long, a former mayor of the city, and Jane Carr, who was a third-class passenger whom I believe lived in nearby Windsor Locks prior to Springfield. Springfield has so much hidden history that one would be surprised to learn about.

Photos of Milton Long and Jane Carr



Link to Doug's book