SMITHSONIAN HIGHLIGHTS TITANIC CARNEGIE HERO MEDAL

Finally, an interesting object in the museum's numismatics collection that you won't find on display is a 9 oz. gold medal that was donated to the Smithsonian in 1912 by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission was established in 1904 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to recognize acts of heroism. According to Dr. Johnston, the impact of the Titanic's sinking on public opinion was so great that the Commission created a medal to honor heroes from the Titanic's sinking. The Commission didn't have a particular individual in mind for this award, so the medal was given directly to the Smithsonian.

You can hear about these objects and more by listening to the podcast recording of Dr. Johnston here. Additionally, listen to songs from 1912 and 1913 about the Titanic by following this link. The museum has many Titanic artifacts in its collections, both on and off view.

To read the complete article, see: A tragedy's 100th anniversary (blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2012/04/
a-tragedys-100th-anniversary.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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