Hello everyone!
Welcome back to another blog from our fantastic key room!
Today I wanted to switch things up a little bit by blogging
about a ship key from our collection. We actually have quite a collection of
ship keys here and I wanted to shine some light on a particularly interesting
one.
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| Key donated by Mrs. Sophia Zaleski Hinkle |
This key comes to us from cabin number one on Poland’s first
trans-Atlantic steamer, The M.S. Pilsudski, after its maiden voyage in
September 1935. Often called the Polish
Titanic, this passenger ship met an unfortunate fate of sinking too, however in
a different means than the English Titanic. While it didn’t sink on its maiden
voyage like the Titanic, the Pilsudski was one of the most modern ships to ever
fly a Polish flag so its sinking greatly impacted the Polish people.
Converted into a warship under British command during World War
II, the Pilsudski was making its rounds in 1939 when it most likely hit a minefield which
caused the ship to sink. However, unlike the Titanic, the Pilsudski has a much
happier ending. Most of the crew and passengers on board were able to be
rescued in time, only resulting in a few casualties.
There’s so many hidden stories like this one ready for you
to discover in our key room so why don’t you come down and check them out soon!
Written by:
Victoria, Museum Curator
Reference and second picture:
