PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee –(June 4, 2025) — The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee will present a moving and unique exhibit this summer and into the fall, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and legendary love story of passengers Isador and Ida Straus.
Beginning June 2, two of the couple’s most personal artifacts — a pocket watch recovered with Isador’s body and a letter penned by Ida aboard the RMS Titanic — will be on display for a limited time. These items, rich with both emotion and historical significance, are being presented to the public just before going to auction in the United Kingdom at the world’s leading Titanicmemorabilia auctioneers Henry Aldridge and Son, where they are expected to sell for more than $1 million.
Isador, co-owner of Macy’s department store, and his wife Ida embodied unwavering devotion in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Their reported decision to remain together as the Titanic sank stands as a powerful testament to their enduring love. Ida famously said, “As we have lived, so will we die, together,” after relinquishing her place on a lifeboat. This special exhibit offers an intimate connection to their final moments through these tangible pieces of their lives.
“We are profoundly moved to share these incredibly personal items belonging to Isador and Ida Straus,” said Paul Burns, Curator at Titanic Museum Attraction. “To see the pocket watch Isador carried and the letter written by Ida on the Titanic offers an emotional and powerful link to their love story and the human cost of this tragedy. This exhibit will allow our visitors to witness firsthand the depth of their commitment and the profound impact of their choices.”
The pocket watch, a stark reminder of time lost, and the letter from Ida, a glimpse into her final thoughts and feelings, will be on display for a limited engagement as they are scheduled for auction while on display at the Pigeon Forge Titanic Museum Attraction. This presents a unique window of opportunity for the public to view these artifacts and reflect on the remarkable story of the Straus’ love and sacrifice before being sent to their new owner.
Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Son Ltd., added, “We are honored to be auctioning these unique items that bear testament to the unbreakable bond that Isador and Ida Straus shared on the Titanic until the very end and are delighted to partner with our colleagues at Titanic Museum Attractions to bring these unique items to exhibition and share the Straus’ incredible story.”
The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is dedicated to preserving and sharing the individual stories of those aboard the RMS Titanic. This special exhibit honoring the Straus’ adds a deep personal layer to the historical event, allowing visitors to connect with their love story and the human impact of the disaster. The Titanic Museum Attractions stand as tributes to the RMS Titanic and the 2,208 aboard in 1912.
In addition to the new exhibit, visitors also will have the opportunity to explore more than 400 authentic artifacts, walk through stunning recreations of the ship’s interior and immerse themselves in Titanic’s incredible story. From the chilling iceberg to the majestic Grand Staircase, every detail throughout the Titanic Museum Attraction is designed to honor the ship’s history.
The Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri open daily at 9 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made online at titanicattraction.com or by phone at 800-381-7670.
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Discover the legacy of the world’s most famous luxury liner at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri. This unique experience allows guests to walk through recreated areas of the ship, including the iconic Grand Staircase, on a self-guided tour and view hundreds of genuine artifacts from the Titanic and its passengers. The museum’s mission is to honor the memories of all those aboard the ship in April 1912, and that human focus is what makes this a world-class attraction.
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Web: titanicattraction.com
Photo Link : Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge Straus Pocket Watch