Titantic: Mrs. Thomas Andrews

Enjoy riveting presentations by Denise Vanaria as Helen (Mrs. Thomas) Andrews, widow of one of Titanic’s chief designers who perished with the entire Harland & Wolff "Guarantee Group" on 15 April 1912.

Learn heretofore unknown intimate and heart-rending accounts of the Titanic tragedy and Edwardian society as Ms. Vanaria accurately recreates the life and times of Helen "Nellie" Andrews.

Ms. Vanaria appears in authentic Titanic era attire selected from her large collection of Edwardian clothing. All of her clothing is from the Titanic era, and preparation for a venue takes on average no less than 3-4 hours.

Each presentation is  unique and  the duration usually varies  from 45-90 minutes.
 

Until further notice Ms. Vanaria will be appearing only in parts of Eastern New York State; parts of  Massachusetts and New England, Chicago, and in the greater Brevard County, FL vicinity.  Fees are variable depending upon travel expenses, lecture duration, and display setup (if any). Most venues range from $375.00 to $550.00.

*Note on original Edwardian attire: A dresser is absolutely essential in my preparation for each venue. I meticulously prepare myself in authentic Edwardian dress/accessories & therefore require the assistance of a dresser or maid to tend to me true to the Edwardian period. My fee is therefore shared with said person as well at least 5 others involved in transportation, advertising, meals, set up & housing. Monies also continuously go to purchase Edwardian clothing for restoration along with proper period material required.

For Information & to book an engagement with Ms. Vanaria, please contact: MrsThosAndrews@aol.com

Biography

Ms. Vanaria’s credits and appearances include, among many others, Robert Ballard’s famous "Titanic Revealed;" and the Broadway musical "Titanic." Exhibitions of her meticulously restored Edwardian clothing have appeared around the world and she has for almost 10 years had numerous Titanic artifacts on display at the Titanic Experience in Orlando. She is also active in the Belfast Titanic Schools Project; the Nomadic Preservation Society; British Titanic Society; and the Belfast Titanic Society.

Although a relative novice to performance art, Ms. Vanaria’s thorough knowledge of Helen (Mrs. Thomas) Andrews and a stunning twin-like resemblance bring this relatively unknown but remarkable woman back to life thereby prying open a window to heretofore unseen content about the Titanic tragedy. And when Ms. Vanaria is appearing in New England, Dr. T. Andrews assists her in answering any technical questions about Titanic.

Helen Andrews was her husband’s closest confidant and Ms. Vanaria allows the audience to become an intimate friend of Helen Andrews sharing her innermost thoughts and emotions. We find ourselves smiling, laughing, crying, and mourning with "those left behind" as Helen discovers herself, her womanhood, her future, and her deep and incredibly passionate love for her husband, her beloved "Tommie."

Thomas Andrews was designated by Lord Pirrie, Chairman of Harland & Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, to execute the design plans for the Olympic liners. He was often in disagreement with the safety arrangements and the minimum standards set by the British Board of Trade but he was consistently overruled. After collision with the iceberg, Andrews’ final hours were spent trying to evacuate the women and children of Titanic. He made absolutely no attempt to save himself and his body was never recovered. In addition to his wife, Helen, he also left a 17 month old daughter Elizabeth ("Elba").

Helen Andrews like most Titanic widows never got closure. Yet she heroically soldiered on marrying shipbuilder Henry Harland in 1917. Together they had 4 children. But Helen’s heart always truly belonged to her beloved Tommie. Her daughter by Thomas Andrews, Elba, became a prominent figure in her own right. But that’s another story for another time... Ms. Denise D. Vanaria divides her time between Massachusetts, Florida, and Chicago. She is a Titanic historian as well as a consultant on Edwardian fashion and clothing to area museums and entertainments. In the course of a lifelong passion for the restoration of Edwardian attire, she has accumulated a very large collection of authentic clothing.

Ms. Vanaria’s most recent and upcoming venues (some multiple appearances):

Titusville, FL High School

Port St. John, FL Public Library

Orlando, FL Public Library

Barefoot Bay, FL Public Library

Central Brevard FL Public Library

Tropical Smoothie Café

Agawam, MA Public Library

Suffield, CT Historical Society

Space Coast Jr/Sr High School FL

Mason Library, Great Barrington, MA

Devonshire Estates Assisted Living, Lenox, MA

St. Andrews, Titusville, FL

Bridgeview Public Library, IL

LaGrange Public Library, IL

Oak Lawn Public Library, IL

Green Hills Public Library, IL

Palos Hills Public Library, IL

Devonshire Estates, MA (artifact presentation)

Somers, NY Public Library

West Brookfield, MA Public Library

Delmar Assisted Living, Delmar, NY Titanic, The Experience, Orlando, FL

"My Dear Mr. Andrews,

I'm absolutely certain that somehow, somewhere, you will read this letter. Hopefully, you are no longer a tortured soul for that would be the worst tragedy of all.

I feel so sad when I think of all that you and your family suffered when you died so prematurely and tragically.

I will always tell how you put the safety of others first, and then died honourably with an eternal love in your heart for your wife and child.

The tragedy was not in any way your fault. Understandably, this you could not comprehend standing upon Titanic’s chaotic and sinking decks. Your knowledge and actions that night spearheaded passenger evacuation thereby saving many hundreds of lives.

You have nothing to regret. You built the greatest ship of her time and for all time. Titanic’s legacy remains an enduring monument to your work, vision, and sacrifice.

Beautiful ship. Beautiful heart. Beautiful soul.

So dare future greatness but go in peace kind and gentle soul...

Love, Always,

"L.T." Liverpool, UK
7 Feb 2006"
 

Titanic Historian Denise Vanaria in National Geographic Video
  View more of my favorite videos on the Ttianic Media page

"Elba," Helen Andrews, and Niece late 1911 - early 1912
 

Denise Vanaria 2009