Experience the Story of the Titanic Like Never Before
Through the lens of a covert operation of innovation and discovery.
Beneath the waves of the North Atlantic lies one of the most infamous shipwrecks in history—the RMS Titanic. When it launched in 1911, it was the largest ship afloat. Just a year later, tragedy struck on its maiden voyage, claiming more than 1,500 lives. For decades, the wreck remained hidden in the deep, until a top-secret mission changed our understanding of the disaster forever.
Led by oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, the 1985 discovery of the Titanic began not as a search for the ship itself, but as part of a classified U.S. Navy mission to survey the wrecks of two nuclear submarines—the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion. That secret mission would ultimately lead to one of the most significant maritime discoveries of the 20th century.
Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission is included FREE with any daily admission or membership.
This groundbreaking exhibition reveals the untold story behind the top secret mission.
Step inside a world of Cold War intrigue, cutting-edge technology, and human determination as you:
- Uncover hidden history once shrouded in secrecy.
- See real objects from the Titanic and Ballard’s daring expedition.
- Explore the breakthrough innovations that made the impossible possible.
- Relive the emotion of one of history’s most unforgettable discoveries.
Uncovering History
The true story behind the discovery of the Titanic is far more complex—and far less widely known—than most realize. In the decades following the ship’s sinking, numerous expeditions set out to locate the wreck and better understand what had happened on that April night.
When Dr. Robert Ballard finally succeeded in 1985, key details of the mission remained classified. Only years later did a fuller picture emerge: the search for the Titanic was made possible by a covert U.S. Navy operation to document the wrecks of two Cold War–era nuclear submarines.
This exhibition reveals the whole story for the first time.
Oceanography
Dr. Ballard’s groundbreaking mission to locate the USS Scorpion and USS Thresher—ultimately leading to the discovery of the Titanic—was made possible by his deep expertise in oceanography.
Learn how decades of research into deep-sea environments and marine geology informed Ballard’s strategic approach and contributed to the mission’s success.
Discovery
The discovery of the Titanic did more than locate a ship deep beneath the waves—it reshaped the practice of deep-sea exploration and marine archaeology. The groundbreaking mission demonstrated how persistence, technological innovation, and human curiosity could push the boundaries of what was thought possible, opening new pathways for ocean research and undersea discovery.
Overcoming Challenges
The story of the classified mission underscores the many obstacles Ballard and his team faced during their deep-sea exploration. Working under intense time constraints, extreme ocean conditions, and the limits of available technology, the team developed new ways to search the seafloor—efforts that led to the discovery of the Titanic.
Ballard has also spoken openly about how dyslexia, a challenge during his early education, shaped his ability to think and visualize differently. He credits this perspective with helping him recognize patterns and imagine the seafloor in new ways—an approach that proved essential to the mission’s success.
Technology
During the mission, many technological advancements that Ballard helped develop were used and proved invaluable in deep-sea exploration. Equipped with innovative tools like sonar mapping and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), Ballard utilized cutting-edge technology to navigate and catalog the ocean’s depths. The discovery of Titanic’s wreckage highlights the connection between technology and exploration.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ballard’s continued dedication to sharing his discoveries through educational programs and documentaries aims to inspire the next generation of oceanographer and explorers, fostering a legacy that encourages learning and exploration.
Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission is a traveling exhibition produced by Flying Fish in collaboration with Ocean Exploration Trust and generously sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.