DEARBORN, MICH.- One hundred years ago, Titanic, the world’s largest Ship, sank after colliding with an iceberg, claiming more than 1,500 lives. To commemorate this significant anniversary, The Henry Ford will host the largest touring Exhibition of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, in Henry Ford Museum, March 31 through September 30, 2012.

“We are privileged to host this extraordinary exhibit, especially to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic,” said Patricia Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford. “Known as one of the greatest innovations from that era, this Ship was ahead of its time with its top notch engineering, modern equipment and luxuries. Touted by the media as the Ship that was ‘virtually unsinkable,’ no one could believe the magnitude of this disaster that occurred in April of 1912. As Americans, it’s a story that resonates with us all.”

This 10,000 square-foot, newly-redesigned and expanded Exhibition features more than 300 artifacts – 250 of which have never been displayed in Michigan. In addition, visitors will walk through extensive room re-creations, be able to have their photos taken near the full-scale replica of the Grand Staircase, as well as learn about passengers on board who had local ties to Michigan.

Upon entering the Exhibition, visitors are quickly drawn back in time to 1912 as each receives a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger aboard Titanic. They then begin their chronological journey and “travel” through the life of Titanic – from the Ship’s construction, to its on-board passengers, its ill-fated voyage and the amazing artifact rescue efforts that involved divers returning to it in recent years. Guests will marvel at authentically re-created first and third class cabins, stop for a breathtaking glance at the social hub of Titanic – the Grand Staircase – and press their palms against an iceberg to feel its temperature, all while learning countless stories of heroism and humanity.

During the Exhibition, The Henry Ford will host a variety of programming related to Titanic. On April 14, at 7 p.m., one hundred years to the day of the tragic sinking, The Henry Ford will host Titanic Remembered: 100th Anniversary Event where guests will commemorate the event with hors d’oeuvres, a champagne welcome, dinner, dessert, and exclusive access to the Exhibition. Titanic Tuesdays, a speaker and author series held the second Tuesday of each month, will host an array of speakers including Edward Tenner, author of Thinking about the Unsinkable, Stephen Low, creator of the IMAX film TITANICA, and Ken Vrana who will speak on Michigan connections to RMS Titanic.