Washington library hosts Titanic-themed dinner event

On Monday, April 14, 2025, the Washington Public Library (WPL) hosted its first Titanic Dinner, commemorating the 113th anniversary of the ship’s fateful collision with an iceberg.

Inspired by a similar interlibrary program, WPL staff decided to offer their own version — and it was a hit. Registration filled within hours, with a waitlist nearly double in size.

A social half hour while passengers “boarded” featured hor d'oeuvres and authentic time-period Irish music organized by Randy Swift. The Captain, played by Mark Keedy, greeted each passenger as they presented their ticket as Newsboy, Casen Randall, passed out copies of a Titanic newspaper.

Participants drew “passenger names,” prior to the event, receiving a boarding pass, short biography, and class assignment which determined their meal: lasagna for first class, chicken rice casserole for second, and sandwiches for third. Attendees dressed in character and role-played throughout dinner, speaking in the first person.

The evening concluded with a presentation based on Iowa author Darcy Maulsby’s book, “Iowa’s Lost History On The Titanic,” highlighting Iowa connections to the famous ship.