National Seashore Commemoration of the Titanic Kicks Off Today

RMS Titanic

EASTHAM – A ten day commemoration of the anniversary of the sinking of the titanic and the role Cape Cod played in rescuing survivors kicks off today at the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Wireless messages from the Marconi station in Wellfleet were received by the ship Carpathia which saved 740 passengers.

“It was an indirect role that we played yet significant in that it affects the rescue,” said Barbara Dougan, an education program specialist with the Cape Cod National Seashore.

From today through Saturday guests will be able to join the Titanic/Marconi Memorial Association of Cape Cod, WIMGY, for a global wireless radio event to honor those lost during the famous sinking. The event will also feature ship-to-shore wireless communication.

Dougan said there will be more to do than just watch radio operators.

“There might be chances for people to talk on the radio and learn about the technology, the history and what is the future of radio,” she said.

The global wireless event, which surrounds the anniversary of the Titanic wreck, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Between today and Sunday, the National Seashore will also show a 12 minute film about the construction of the Marconi station in South Wellfleet in 1901. The film details the first transatlantic transmission sent from the US to Europe in 1903. The “Voice of Cape Cod” will be screened each day at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

The film Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet and directed by James Cameron, will be screened at 1 p.m. Saturday. The 1997 film won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

A one-hour film that chronicles the collision of two ships off Nantucket in January of 1909 will be screened on April 21. “Rescue at Sea” tells the story of Jack Binns, the Marconi radio man aboard one of the ships, who stayed at his post as the ship was sinking. Binns became known as the first hero of wireless. All passengers and hands were saved totaling over 1,500 people.

The events conclude on April 22, International Marconi Day. The annual public event honors Guglielmo Marconi for his contributions to wireless technology. The Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club will communicate with radio operators around the globe through speaking and Morse code.

All events, except for International Marconi Day, will be held at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. The events are free and open to the public.