Abstract

A survey of 1000 visitors’ attitudes were analyzed to further understanding of factors contributing to the education and experience of visitors to the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition on tour in a southeastern science center. The survey questions in this empirical study were developed to accommodate current theory in the field of museum studies; using notable models of exhibit evaluation. Sensory Mood and Authentic Experience are two factors reported as crucial contributors to the educational experience of the visitor, while Personal Engagement was viewed as less significance. The visitor responses differ significantly by gender, with men assigning greater importance to the mood and authenticity of the educational experience than women. Yet, Mood, Authenticity and Engagement do not operate independently. Rather, these three factors work together interactively to achieve the “Titanic Effect.” For example, Titanic visitors would be affected if there were a lack of attention either to elements contributing to Sensory Moods, Authentic Experience, or Personal Engagement.