The ‘Titanic - Built in Belfast’ exhibition features a never before seen image of the Titanic and newsreel footage, from the longest known version of a 1912 nitrate newsreel film. It is from the world-class archive collections of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
The exhibition will be on display in Union Station, the busiest train hub and the most visited destination in America’s capital, from 26 June - 15 July 2007.
Arts and Culture Minister Edwin Poots, MLA said; “The story of the Titanic has fascinated people from all around the globe. This exhibition informs visitors about the history of the ship and about the new and emerging face of Northern Ireland.
"Titanic – Built in Belfast not only offers a snapshot of Northern Ireland’s social and industrial history, but also tells the story of the growing tourism and commercial potential in the city and across the region.
“The exhibition in Washington DC highlights the technological marvel and achievement of Titanic’s creation – the largest ship in the world in 1912. It also highlights Northern Ireland’s revitalised communities, world-class visitor attractions and museums, business transformation, regeneration and economic opportunity. For Titanic buffs, it will describe life on board the ship, and some of the human stories of those who sailed on her maiden voyage in April 1912.”
Tim Cooke, Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland, said: “The Titanic archive at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is just one example of the unique collections held by National Museums Northern Ireland. This project is an excellent illustration of how museum collections can be used to showcase Northern Ireland to a wider international audience.”
He added: “While in Washington we will also be promoting our award-winning Titanic website 
which allows virtual visitors around the globe to learn more of the social and industrial history of Belfast in the early 20th century.”
Paul O'Toole, Tourism Ireland Chief Executive, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to profile Northern Ireland, and in particular, Belfast's tourism potential during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival which is such a great showcase opportunity for us all.
“Tourism Ireland is delighted to be one of the sponsors of the Titanic Exhibition as part of our marketing programme for Northern Ireland this year, in markets across the world.
“Northern Ireland is fast becoming a world class and “must see” tourism destination. We believe that this exhibition and the Titanic signature project, one of five strategic development initiatives under way will help to make the rich heritage and natural beauty of Northern Ireland more accessible to visitors. Overseas visitors to Northern Ireland have grown steadily in recent years and 2007 looks set to be another good year.”
Mike Smith, CEO of Titanic Quarter Limited, which is co-promoting the regeneration of Titanic Quarter with Belfast Harbour Commissioners, added: “Titanic Quarter is Europe’s largest urban regeneration waterfront scheme, affording Belfast and Northern Ireland a huge opportunity as a major gateway project for inward investors in the financial services, ICT and biotech sectors. The scheme will help recast Belfast as a modern metropolitan hub, building on the values of enterprise and innovation which created the Titanic, but with a vision set firmly in the 21st Century.”
The exhibition is one of more than 60 events taking place across the region as part of “Rediscover Northern Ireland,” a four month program featuring a range of arts, cultural and trade events spotlighting Northern Ireland culture, business and tourism.
Notes to Editors:
- During the exhibition, people can also visit the Smithsonian Institution’s Folklife Festival on Washington’s National Mall from 27 June – 8 July where around 160 people from Northern Ireland will tell over one million Americans about our contemporary culture.
- As the regeneration and revitalisation of Belfast takes place, it is fitting that one of the most spectacular new waterfront developments in Europe is sited on the birthplace of the Titanic, 185 acres of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, a century later. The first phase of the Titanic Quarter Development has already opened and includes the Northern Ireland Science Park.
- The Rediscover Northern programme is led by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and is support by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The programme is co-sponsored by Titanic Quarter Ltd and the Ulster Bank.
- The main partners for the exhibition include National Museums Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland Limited and Titanic Quarter Limited.
- Media enquiries: Joanne Eland, Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure, tel: 028 90254215, e-mail: joanne.eland@dcalni.gov.uk OR Sinead Cunningham, National Museums Northern Ireland, tel: 028 8225 6324; e-mail sinead.cunningham@magni.org.uk
