Titanic enthusiast shares his collection at local library
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - On this date in 1912, the Titanic departed Southampton, England on its ill-fated maiden Atlantic voyage.
Meet 22-year-old Titanic enthusiast and collector, Joshua Noble. He has studied the RMS Titanic since he was 6 years old.
“I heard the story and wanted to learn more. That interest became an obsession and passion that has continued to the present day,” said Noble.
Noble spends his spare time reading and studying about the ship. Noble told FOX 5 that his quest for more knowledge has allowed him to get to know some world class Titanic researchers and collectors, some of whom knew and interviewed Titanic survivors. “I've been collecting for several years. It was more for my sake at first because I enjoyed having pieces of history. But then it became more about others. I want to use my collection to help introduce others to how Titanic was more than just a movie.”
The sinking of the Titanic was an international disaster that affected thousands of people across the world. “I also have tried to draw more attention to one particular passenger, Archibald Butt. He was a Georgia native that served as a Military Aide to Presidents Roosevelt and Taft. He was a witness and/or participant to many key events and people during their administrations and his letters are invaluable to anyone researching those administrations.”
“I would have to say the piece I cherish the most is a book titled ‘If God Be With Us.’ It was published in 1913 and was owned by Reverend J. Stuart Holden. Rev. Holden was scheduled to sail on the Titanic and even had a 1st class ticket. He cancelled at the last minute because his wife fell ill. Had he been in board, he likely would have joined his fellow ministers in death.”
Noble’s collection contains 53 collectibles, along with two autographs from survivors Millvina Dean and Eva Hart, plus a program from Eva Hart's funeral.
Noble’s exhibit will be on display until the end of April at the Douglas County Library.