Lisa Plotnick

A life to think about—my review of Titanic: The Human Story, Québec City

We recently returned from Québec City, where among several highlights was a Titanic exhibition at the Musée de la Civilisation.

Titanic: The Human Story was presented by Spain-based company Musealia with financial support from the Quebec government. And it was marvelous.

The narration summed it up well—each person has “not only a story to tell but a life to think about.”

General observations

Stories were put into context by sharing the history of immigration, social classes, shipping companies, ocean liners, and routes. This got high marks from my non-Titanic-enthusiast husband. As one example, he appreciated learning that 3rd class passengers were not necessarily poor as the movies depicted.

Overall, the focus was on the people. Wherever personal items were displayed, they were accompanied by a photo of the individual or family. This truly helped to make the exhibition about the people, adding a level of respect that is occasionally lacking from some exhibitions I’ve seen over the years.

There’s a lot share, so I’ll narrow it down to my top 10 (in no particular order).

Selected highlights

1. J. Bruce Ismay’s signature on a White Star Line traveler’s check in the 1880s:

2. White Star Line agent brochures with views of 1st and 2nd classes on Olympic and Titanic:

Book opened to pages showing a large photo of Olympic and 8 smaller photos of interiors hard to discern. Placard below it reads White Star Line agent brochures with views of First and Second Class, Olympic and Titanic, 1911 In this brochure, all the elegant facilities and services provided for these passengers are illustrated in detail. While First Class passengers could take their pick from a variety of amenities, Second Class passengers had to make do with one dining room, a library/reading room and a men-only smoking room. CLAES-GORAN WETTERHOLM COLLECTION

3. Watches owned by Austin Partner (shown below), Henrik Kvillner, and Carl Asplund (1st, 2nd, and 3rd class, respectively), all of whom perished:

Inside a display case are a gold pocket watch with white face, and 2 framed photographs. Placard reads Another First Class passenger who intended to visit Canada, for business, was Englishman Austin Partner, who, traveling alone, occupied a very small First Class cabin on C-Deck. Despite the higher survival rate of men in First Class, as an unaccompanied male, Partner was not given priority to board a lifeboat and did not survive. Austin Partner's pocket watch Photograph of Austin Partner and his wife Nellie, circa 1897 Framed photograph of Austin Partner, circa 1912

4. Recreation of a 2nd class cabin (exciting for me as 2nd class is frequently overlooked in many exhibitions):

Along left wall is a long and tall wooden bench with upholstered seat and back, along right wall are an upper and lower bunk both dark wood both with soft privacy curtains, plus an armoire, and in the middle a dark wood wash stand with basin. Walks are stark white with white wood trim.

5. Young Frank Goldsmith’s (3rd class) watch chain (special to me as I have the honor of knowing one of his sons):

On the wall next to the framed shadow box of a silver chain is a photo of the family, father, mother, and 2 young sons.

6. Jacob Alfred Johansson’s (3rd class, perished) comprehensive diary, as anything handwritten is unique to the person:

7. Saucer from Luigi Gatti’s â la carte restaurant, taken ashore in Southampton by a steward (and special to me as a good friend is a grandniece of 2 waiters):

8. 4-year-old Louise Kink’s boots and blanket she was rescued in:

A pair of ankle high boots with frayed laces. Placard under the small boots reads Louise Kink's boots and blanket, 1912. On the fateful night, Louise and her parents managed to board Lifeboat 2 and all of them survived. Louise's uncle and aunt did not. These two items, worn by Louise in the lifeboat, were kept by the family long after the tragedy.

9. Medals and medallions given to Carpathia officers and crew by Margaret Brown:

10. Programs for Southampton and London memorial services:

Placard reads Program for the memorial parade held in Southampton, England, April 28, 1912 Program for the memorial service held at the London Coliseum, England, May 1, 1912 Program for the memorial service held for postal staff in Southampton, England, May 5, 1912 Photo postcard of an entertainment group that contributed to the relief fund, India, May 1912 WEE

The exhibition was done very well. And it was honest about which items were from Titanic vs. Olympic and other White Star Line ships.

Visitor info

Titanic: The Human Story is open through March 8, 2026.

I suggest purchasing your ticket ahead of time through the Musée de la Civilisation website. Your ticket will also include admission to the rest of the museum, which is worth the time to check out.

Headsets are free, and highly recommended.

Definitely stop by the gift shop for souvenirs that include the official exhibit program.

For those traveling to Québec City by cruise ship, the museum is located within one-quarter mile of the cruise terminal.

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