Visitors can walk through the crew’s cramped quarters, turn down the lavish first class hallway, hear the sounds of an early 20th century orchestra, and finally, see the iceberg that sealed passengers’ impending doom. This is not the Titanic, but it might feel like it. It is COSI’s exhibit of historical Titanic artifacts.
 

Making its second visit to the museum in downtown Columbus, the exhibit presents a vast amount of artifacts found during past research expeditions to the Titanic’s wreckage in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The display began on March 27 and will be running through Labor Day of this year.
 

The exhibit has drawn a large audience of all ages and interests. Museum guest James Cruse came all the way from West Lafayette, Ind., to see the display.
 

“The exhibit is awesome,” said Cruse, a Titanic history buff. “Walking through the first class walk-through, like you’re actually on board knocks you out. If that doesn’t give tingles, I don’t know what will.”
 

Many of the exhibit’s patrons brought their children to the museum for both a fun and educational experience.
 

“One of the things we’ve found is that it really serves as a great conversation platform,” said Carli Lanfersiek, the museum’s director of advertising and promotions. “Parents are having these really interesting and deep conversations with their kids about life and death and history and culture and immigration and all these very rich topics.”
 

Not only does the exhibit show you the historic artifacts discovered with the Titanic, but it also creates historic replicas of locations on the ship, such as the hallway of the first class section, the dining room and a model of a room on the ship.
 

“I’ve just always been fascinated with the story of the Titanic,” said Lena Crouso, who brought her two children to the exhibit. “It really compels you to feel like you’re there.”
 

Throughout the tour, several character actors dressed in early 20th century clothing guide guests through the trip and give information about the Titanic.
 

“The purpose of it really is that powerful human story,” Lanfersiek said. “Once you feel like you’re on board the ship, the more likely you are to become connected with these passengers, with the story, with the power and the significance of this tragedy.”
 

After a successful first showing in 2005, this is the second time the exhibit has made rounds at the museum. Lanfersiek said that this year’s display offers 100 new artifacts that were not featured in 2005, as well as 23 artifacts that are being shown for the first time. Some artifacts found at the museum include coins dating back to the 18th century, binoculars, a telegraph, dining room china and an old bowler hat.
 

Lanfersiek added that the exhibit was so popular last time, people from all 88 Ohio counties attended, as well as someone from every state in the country.
 

It’s a feat they hope to achieve again.