Titanic Images from the Library of Congress: A Visual Record of the Disaster, Rescue & Aftermath

📌 Explore the GG Archives' extensive Titanic image collection, sourced from the Library of Congress. Featuring survivors, lifeboats, Carpathia rescues, Senate hearings, and rare interior Titanic photographs. This is an invaluable resource for teachers, students, genealogists, and maritime historians.

The Library of Congress is the repository for massive image collections that pertain to the Titanic disaster. Included in these commonly seen images are selections from Bain News Service and Harris & Ewing, among others.

Aerial View of the Library of Congress, 1902. Photo by William Henry Jackson. GGA Image ID # 222e7ccc1c

🚢 Titanic Images from the Library of Congress: A Visual Chronicle of Tragedy & Heroism 🏛️

📖 A Pictorial Time Capsule of the Titanic Disaster

The Titanic Images – Library of Congress collection is a remarkable visual archive that documents one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. It offers an unparalleled glimpse into the tragedy, rescue efforts, and aftermath of the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912.

For teachers, students, historians, genealogists, and maritime enthusiasts, this collection provides historically significant photographs and documents that bring the Titanic's story to life. The images featured in this archive are not just photographs—they are moments frozen in time that tell the story of courage, loss, and survival.

From lifeboats carrying survivors to Captain Rostron and the heroic crew of the Carpathia, from Titanic’s interior luxury to the Senate Hearings that followed the disaster, this collection offers one of the most comprehensive visual records of the Titanic tragedy available today.

Titanic Survivors on Way to Rescue Ship Carpathia - 15 April 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-93570). GGA Image ID # 10d6191d55

Titanic Lifeboats on Way to Carpathia - 15 April 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-33430). GGA Image ID # 10d6207305

Captain Rostron of the Carpathia - 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-121011). GGA Image ID # 10d65866e7

Captain Arthur Henry Rostron Next to the Silver Loving Cup Presented to Him in May 1912 by Survivors of the Titanic in Recognition of His Heroism in Their Rescue. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10426). GGA Image ID # 100cc5cbfb

Captain Rostron and Under Officers of the Carpathia. Photo shows Captain Arthur Henry Rostron next to the silver loving cup presented to him in May 1912 by survivors of the Titanic in recognition of his heroism in their rescue. (Source: Flickr Commons project, 2008) © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10428). GGA Image ID # 10db7fb4e9

Photocopy of Hand-Written Account by Captain A. H. Rostron of the R.M.S. Carpathia Describing His Response to the Distress Signal of the Titanic on 15 April 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-64157). GGA Image ID # 100d7296d0

Mrs. J. J. Brown Presenting Trophy Cup Award to Capt. Arthur Henry Roston, for His Service in the Rescue of the Titanic. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-121013). GGA Image ID # 100c6a1f54

The S.S. Carpathia Docked in New York - 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-71128). GGA Image ID # 10d59e553b

Captain Rostron of the Carpathia with His Wife - 25 February 1913. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-105865). GGA Image ID # 10d6153c66

Group of Survivors of the Titanic Disaster Aboard the Carpathia after Being Rescued. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-99341). GGA Image ID # 100d18f317

Rescued Titanic Passengers Aboard the Carpathia: Mr. George A. Harder, Who Was the Only Man Saved of Eleven Honeymoon Couples. Mr. & Mrs. G. A. Harder and Mrs. Charles M. Hayes Talking Whose Husband Was Lost. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-56452), GGA Image ID # 100dc7846f

Groups of Titanic Survivors Aboard Rescue Ship Carpathia: Unidentified Group on Deck. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-56453). GGA Image ID # 100e939fef

Group of Titanic Survivors on Board the Carpathia - 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-11211). GGA Image ID # 10d55017cb

Stuart Collett - One of the Titanic Survivors Arriving on the Carpathia. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-85391). GGA Image ID # 100d8af71a

Photograph shows Brandon Whitlock, U.S. Ambassador to Belgium from 1914 to 1921 with his wife Ella (Brainerd) Whitlock. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-20423). GGA Image ID # 101e58f7ff

Harold Bride, Surviving Wireless Operator of the TItanic, with Feet Bandaged, Being Carried up Ramp of the Carpathia April 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-85392). GGA Image ID # 10d7b0f6a2

Family Group Photo of Titanic Survivors - 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-34976). GGA Image ID # 10d543eba3

Louis and Michel Navratil - Temporary Orphans from the Titanic. Photo taken before the 'orphans' of the Titanic were correctly identified and returned to their mother. The boys are French brothers Michel (age 4) and Edmond Navratil (age 2). To board the ship, their father assumed the name Louis Hoffman and used their nicknames, Lolo and Mamon. Their father died in the disaster of the RMS Titanic, which struck an iceberg in April 1912 and sank, killing more than 1,500 people. (Source: Flickr Commons project, 2008). © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10345) GGA Image ID # 10d95d8664

Louis and Michel Navratil, of Nice, France, on Their Mother's Lap c1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-105864) GGA Image ID # 10d71186b0

Frederick Dent Ray and William Burke, Saloon Stewards on the Titanic 27 April 1912. Stewards F. (Frederick) Dent Ray (1879-1977) at left and William Burke at right with another surviving crewman of the RMS Titanic, standing outside the proceedings of the American Inquiry at Washington, D.C., April 27, 1912. The identity of the middle crewman is not identified, but may be either Andrew Cunningham or Alfred Crawford. © Harris & Ewing. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-hec-00940) GGA Image ID # 10dabb9457

Senator William Alden Smith, who conducted the Senatorial Inquiry into the "Titanic" Disaster in New York and Washington. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-hec-15852). GGA Image ID # 103254c02e

Representatives of the White Star Line in Washington DC for Senate Hearings. © Harris & Ewing. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-hec-00933). GGA Image ID # 10d67e3e1d

From left to right: unidentified man, possibly Sydney C. Neale, Washington representative of the White Star Line, P.A.S. Franklin, Chalres C. Burlingham, and Bruce Ismay, in Washington, D.C., April 1912 for the Senate Commerce Committee hearings. Identification based on illustration in book: Titanic: Destination Disaster, by John P. Eaton, Charles A. Haas, p. 107. Philip Albright Small Franklin was president and chairman of International Mercantile Marine Company from 1916 to 1936. At the time of the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912, Franklin was in charge of the White Star Line office and terminus affairs at IMM headquarters in New York City.

J. Bruce Ismay being questioned at the Waldorf Astoria by Senate Investigating Committee 27 May 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-68079). GGA Image ID # 10d74268cc

Senators Question J. Bruce Ismay at the Waldorf Astoria 27 May 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-68081). GGA Image ID # 10d78d7b4c

Senate Investigating Committee Questioning Individuals at the Waldorf Astoria May 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-68078). GGA Image ID # 10d7fe5fb0

Harold Thomas Coffam, wireless operator on the Carpathia being questioned by the Senate Investigating Committee. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-68080). GGA Image ID # 10d8830888

Crowd Awaiting Survivors from the Titanic in New York on 18 April 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-26635). GGA Image ID # 10d50ec86c

Getting the Latest News on the Titanic Disaster at the White Star Line Office April 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10353). GGA Image ID # 10d943621a

Crowd in Front of White Star Line Offices - April 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10349). GGA Image ID # 10dbe5ccea

Crowd Gathers In Front of White Star Offices - April 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10353). GGA Image ID # 10dbfa42e5

Crowd Awaiting Titanic Survivors Arrival on the Carpathia in New York. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10346). GGA Image ID # 10d9baae96

Crowd Awaiting Survivors from Carpathia in New York - April 1912. © Bain News Service. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10347). GGA Image ID # 10dbd25a64

Photograph of the main dining room on the salon deck of the ill-fated White Star Liner Titanic, which foundered in mid-ocean after ramming an iceberg. © Underwood & Underwood 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ds-11023). GGA Image ID # 10dacaee34

Veranda Cafe and Palm Court of the Titanic - 1912. © New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ds-11022). GGA Image ID # 10db0a633f

Fore Deck of White Star Liner Olympic at Dock in New York Harbor 21 June 1911. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ds-10959). GGA Image ID # 10d4ed7b9e

Reception Room on the RMS Olympic Photographed by Rev. William Herman 1911. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ds-12333). GGA Image ID # 10d4cec0b8

 Arrival of The RMS Olympic in New York. © Bain News Service 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10339). GGA Image ID # 10d50bdbde

Construction of Titanic Memorial in Washington DC - Summer 1930. Harris & Ewing. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division ((LC-DIG-hec-35959). GGA Image ID # 10da95d088

Mrs. Lister Hill Visits the Titanic Memorial in Washington DC ca 1940. © Harris & Ewing. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-hec-28377). GGA Image ID # 10da6fa5f4

Mrs. J. Bruce Ismay Riding a White Horse. u.d. c1910. © Bain News Service 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-07639). GGA Image ID # 10d8d77c90

Chorus Girl Raising Money at Titanic Benefit - Game 21 April 1912. Photo shows crowd at baseball game to raise money for survivors of the RMS Titanic disaster, Polo Grounds, New York City. (Source: Flickr Commons project, 2008) © Bain News Service 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-10464). GGA Image ID # 10d9cb51ac

Titanic Tablet Unveiled - Seamen's Institute, Bishop Greer Speaking - ud ca 1912. Photo shows services in memory of the Titanic at Seamen's Church Institute, New York City. (Source: Flickr Commons project, 2009) © Bain News Service 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-ggbain-12820). GGA Image ID # 10da094de3

Medal Presented by President William Howard Taft to Captain A. Rostron, Rescuer of Survivors of Titanic. © Harris & Ewing 1912. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-hec-01692). GGA Image ID # 10db2b4ace

Front Cover, Sheet Music for Voice and Piano: When the Titanic Went Down. Words by Kittie D. G. Rogers; Music by M. C. Hanford, Published by H. Kirkus Dugdale Co., Washington, D.C, c1912, monographic. First line: The night was still and the sea was calm. Refrain: Some sleep beneath the ocean waves. Advertisement for The wreck of the Titanic by M. C. Hanford on p. [6]. Library of Congress, Notated Music (LCCN: 2009536690). GGA Image ID # 10df9e0be1

Front Cover, Sheet Music for Voice and Piano: The sinking of the Titanic. Words and Arrangement by Laura Smith Roush; Arrangement by D. L. Roush., Published by L. S. Roush, Topeka, Kan, c1912, monographic. First line: Upon the ocean's mighty billows. Refrain: We are sinking, came the wireless. Library of Congress, Notated Music (LCCN: 2009543129). GGA Image ID # 10e0020488

Front Cover, Sheet Music for Voice and Piano: Heroes of the Ocean in Memory of the Titanic Disaster. Words by Emma La Turno Thrum; Music by John Mand. Published by J. T. La Turno, Denver, Colo, c1912, monographic. First line: The bright silv'ry moon rose high in the sky. Refrain: Men kissed their wives and children goodbye. Library of Congress, Notated Music (LCCN: 2009543375). GGA Image ID # 10e066e705

Front Cover, Sheet Music for Voice and Piano: Titanic: In the Shadows of the Deep. Words by John Boland; Music by Wm. Held. Published by Chas. H. Henderson Music Pub. Co., Corry, Pa, c1912, monographic. First line: A ship they named the Titanic. Refrain: Good-bye to all dearer than life. Advertisement for 'Forget those words in anger spoken' by Joseph Liljenberg on p. [6]. Library of Congress, Notated Music (LCCN: 2009535853). GGA Image ID # 10e0cbd467

Front Cover, Sheet Music for Voice and Piano: My Sweetheart Went Down With the Ship. Words by Roger Lewis; Music by F. Henri Klickmann. Published by Frank K. Root & Co., Chicago, c1912, monographic. A beautiful song, inspired by the wreck of the Titanic. First line: Out of the bay sailing away there went the steamship Titanic. Refrain: My sweetheart went down with the ship. Advertisement for The wreck of the Titanic by Jeanette Forrest on p. 2 and for I will love you when the silver threads are shining among the gold by F. Henri Klickmann on p. [6]. Library of Congress, Notated Music (LCCN: 2009537390). GGA Image ID # 10e0d81c45

Front Cover, Sheet Music for Voice and Piano: Destruction of the Titanic. Words by C. H. Dutton; Music by Etta B. Server. Published by H. Kirkus Dugdale Co., Washington, D.C, c1912, monographic. First line: Beyond the sea from an English harbor. Refrain: While the lifeboars onward moving. Advertisement for The mourning turtle dove by M. Hanford on p. [6]. Library of Congress, Notated Music (LCCN: 2009543379). GGA Image ID # 10e110a26a

Marchese Guglielmo Marconi, 1874-1937 Standing with Alfred N. Goldsmith, Facing Left with Telegraph Equipment on Table. Photo ca. 26 June 1922. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-55343). GGA Image ID # 10eac53f3b

📜 Why This Archive is Essential for Titanic & Maritime Research

🌊 Genealogists: Tracing Titanic Passengers & Crew

For family historians and genealogists, this collection provides photographic records of survivors, crew members, and key figures involved in the Titanic disaster. It allows researchers to connect with the past by seeing the faces of those who lived through or perished in the tragedy.

📌 Key Images for Genealogists:

✅ "Group of Titanic Survivors on Board the Carpathia – 1912" – A rare image showing survivors who made it to safety.

✅ "Louis and Michel Navratil – Temporary Orphans from the Titanic" – A heartbreaking yet incredible story of two young boys saved from the disaster.

✅ "Harold Bride, Surviving Wireless Operator of the Titanic" – One of the key figures who helped send distress signals before the ship went down.

💡 Why it’s relevant:

✔️ Family researchers can identify and study survivors & crew 📜.

✔️ Immigration historians can explore the lives of third-class passengers 🚢.

✔️ Descendants of passengers & crew can connect with personal Titanic stories 🏛️.

🏛️ Historians & Educators: A Visual History of the Titanic Disaster

For teachers, students, and historians, this collection serves as an extraordinary educational resource that provides visual context for historical events surrounding the Titanic. These images can be used in classroom lessons, research papers, or history documentaries.

📌 Key Images for Educators & Historians:

✅ "Titanic Survivors on Way to Rescue Ship Carpathia – 15 April 1912" – One of the most haunting images of the lifeboats at sea.

✅ "Captain Rostron & the Carpathia Crew" – Highlights the heroism of the Carpathia, which rescued over 700 Titanic survivors.

✅ "Senate Investigating Committee Questioning Individuals at the Waldorf Astoria – May 1912" – A crucial moment in the Titanic hearings, where J. Bruce Ismay and White Star Line representatives testified.

💡 Why it’s relevant:

✔️ Teachers & students – Perfect for classroom discussions, essays, and projects on Titanic history 📚.

✔️ Historians & documentary filmmakers – A goldmine of primary-source visuals for historical accuracy 🎥.

✔️ Museum professionals – Essential for curating Titanic exhibits and presentations 🏛️.

🌍 Maritime Enthusiasts: Reliving the Golden Age of Ocean Travel

For those who admire the grandeur of early 20th-century ocean liners, this collection is a stunning look at Titanic’s elegance, its passengers, and the tragedy that unfolded.

📌 Key Images for Maritime Enthusiasts:

✅ "Photograph of the Main Dining Room on the Titanic" – Showcases the ship’s unmatched luxury.

✅ "Veranda Cafe and Palm Court of the Titanic – 1912" – A peek into the opulent lifestyle of first-class passengers.

✅ "The SS Carpathia Docked in New York – 1912" – The ship that became a beacon of hope for Titanic survivors.

💡 Why it’s relevant:

✔️ Cruise history buffs – Learn about Titanic’s lavish accommodations 🚢.

✔️ Maritime historians – Study the Carpathia’s rescue mission and early transatlantic travel ⚓.

✔️ Collectors & ship model builders – See historical design elements of Titanic & Olympic-class vessels 📸.

📸 Noteworthy Images & Their Significance

📷 "Titanic Survivors on Way to Rescue Ship Carpathia – 15 April 1912"

🔹 One of the most haunting photos of lifeboats in the open Atlantic, capturing the moment of survival after unimaginable tragedy.

📷 "Hand-Written Account by Captain Rostron of the Carpathia"

🔹 A historical artifact documenting the heroism of the Carpathia’s crew in their race against time to save Titanic survivors.

📷 "Louis and Michel Navratil – Temporary Orphans from the Titanic"

🔹 A heart-wrenching story of two young brothers whose father perished, leaving them as the most famous child survivors of the disaster.

📷 "Harold Bride, Surviving Wireless Operator of the Titanic"

🔹 The heroic wireless operator who stayed at his post, sending distress signals even as the ship sank.

📷 "Crowd Awaiting Survivors from the Titanic in New York – 18 April 1912"

🔹 A powerful image of anxious families and press reporters waiting for news of their loved ones.

🔎 Encouraging Research & Essay Writing Using GG Archives

📢 This is NOT a blog! Instead, students and researchers are encouraged to use the GG Archives materials for academic and historical research.

🔎 Looking for Titanic primary sources? GG Archives offers some of the most comprehensive visual records available today.

🚢 Final Thoughts: A Titanic Archive Unlike Any Other

This incredible collection of Titanic images offers a unique and detailed visual perspective of one of the most significant maritime tragedies in history. Whether you are researching the lives of survivors, the bravery of the Carpathia crew, the Senate hearings, or the ship’s luxurious interiors, this archive brings Titanic’s story to life through rare and authentic photographs.

📌 Who Should Use This Resource?

✔️ Teachers & students – A historical case study on the Titanic disaster 📚.

✔️ Genealogists – Provides photographic records of survivors & crew 📜.

✔️ Historians & maritime buffs – A detailed account of Titanic’s rescue, aftermath, and Senate hearings ⚓.

✔️ Writers & museum professionals – Essential for accurate historical storytelling & exhibitions 🎭.

📢 💡 Explore the Titanic’s history like never before with the GG Archives’ Library of Congress image collection! 🌊🚢