Long Before Titanic: Ocean Liners Lost in the Early Days of Steam

The Titanic was far from the first ocean liner to be lost at sea. In the two decades after the first steam-powered liners crossed the Atlantic in 1838, eight such ships were lost. By the end of the century that total was fifteen, with a collective death toll more than twice the Titanic’s. Unlike the latter, these ships have largely been forgotten. Come hear their stories – including one eerily similar to the Titanic’s that involved three prominent Cape Codders. Brief bio: While exploring the history of his house in Yarmouth Port, Vincent Miles learned that the original owner had a nephew named Asa Eldridge who in 1854 had set a record sailing to Liverpool. As a native of that city he felt compelled to learn more, a curiosity that has since led him to write two biographies, one about Eldridge and the other about the Boston merchant behind a legendary builder of clipper ships. Both books use the careers of their subjects to explore important developments in America's maritime trade during the nineteenth century – including the arrival of steam power on the Atlantic. In recognition of these books and other publications, in 2023 Miles was elected an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Parking Note: There is no parking at Thacher Hall. Parking is available just across Route 6A from Thacher Hall around the Common, as well as at the Post Office. Overflow parking is also available at the Chapter House Inn parking lot (west side). Crossing attendants will be available to assist with crossing Route 6A at the designated crosswalk in front of Thacher Hall. If you need accessible parking information, please email events@thacherhall.org. Accessibility Note: Thacher Hall is a historic building and is not accessible via wheelchair - a short flight of stairs is required for entrance into the Hall and the restrooms are located on the lower level (accessed via stairs).