Jake Menghini Museum of Norway will host a Titanic Gala on Saturday. The outdoor event kicks off with tours at 5:30 p.m. with a dramatic performance at 7 p.m. by local actors, who will tell the story of nine survivors “in their words.” Museum Board Member Carol Sundstrom, who wrote the play, works on the back drop for Saturday’s event. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

By Iron Mountain Daily News staff

NORWAY — At just before midnight on April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg while on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.

Within three hours, the “unsinkable” ship had slipped beneath the freezing waters of the Atlantic Ocean — killing more than 1,500 people.

The Jake Menghini Museum in Norway invites the community to a dramatic presentation of the survivors’ account of that unforgettable event at the Titantic Gala on Saturday.

The evening gala is an introduction to this summer’s special exhibit, the Titanic, which is on loan from Gil Koski of Norway.

The outdoor event kicks off with tours beginning at 5:30 p.m. Local actors will tell the tale of the nine survivors’ accounts “in their words” at 7 p.m.

The play was written by Carol Sundstrom, museum board member.

“I did extensive research of each of the survivors and documented their accounts,” said Sundstrom. “I then wove them all together to tell one complete story from the beginning to the end.”

She said the hour-long performance is vivid and very powerful.

In addition to the presentation, the program will include hors d’oeuvres and beverages and tours of the Titanic exhibit, featuring Koski’s extensive collection of memorabilia.

Koski, who is originally from Ontonagon, has had a lifelong interest in the Titanic. His fascination with the disaster began at age 6 when he would sit for hours paging through a pictorial book of the “Titanic” at his grandparents’ home.

For many years, he has been a member of the Titanic Historical Society.

Koski met nine survivors of the Titanic. He has lectured in major cities, where his collection has also been on display.

Tickets for the Titanic Gala can be purchased at Northern Interstate Bank and its branches in Iron Mountain and Pat’s Grocery, Norway City Hall, Jake Menghini Museum, and Norway Senior Center. Tickets are adults $20 and children $10. Tickets will also be at the door.

Other summer events include:

≤ July 12, Norway City Band concert and ice cream social.

≤ July 30, “The Sinking of the Volturno in 1913” presentation. This talk will be given by descendants of actual survivors of the disaster who from the Norway area.

≤ Aug. 26, outdoor movie night featuring the Titanic classic, “A Night to Remember.”

The Jake Menghini Museum, 105 Odill Drive in Norway, is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season.