(The following press release was provided verbatim by NADC Museum)
The Johnsville Centrifuge and Science Museum (NADC Museum) in Warminster invites the public to step back in time at its annual Titanic-themed gala, a memorable evening that connects naval history, elegant dining, and community support for STEM education. The gala will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 6-10 p.m. at Philmont Country Club, 301 Tomlinson Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA.
The fundraising event will recreate a luxurious seven-course, First-Class dining experience from the fateful night the R.M.S. Titanic struck the iceberg in 1912. Guests will enjoy an authentic period meal while being serenaded by a string quartet from the Warminster Symphony, performing music the Titanic band would have played. The evening will also feature a display of authentic Titanic artifacts and memorabilia on loan from noted expert and collector Craig Sopin, along with a silent auction. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the era by arriving in Edwardian attire, adding to the evening's historic ambiance.
Naval Connection Adds Historical Significance
The event's connection to the museum's naval aviation mission runs deep. Naval Reservist and oceanographer Robert Ballard led the famous 1985 expedition that discovered the Titanic's wreck site. The side-scanning sonar technology that mapped the ocean floor and aided in the search was developed right here in Warminster at the Naval Air Development Center.
Supporting STEM Education and Museum Growth
Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the museum's STEM-based educational programs and contribute to an ambitious capital campaign to expand the museum building in 2026. Currently operating at the historic Craven Hall site located at 5899 Newtown Road in Warminster, the NADC Museum preserves the legacy of the Naval Air Development Center's groundbreaking contributions to aviation and space technology.
The museum's collection includes the original gondola used to train early astronauts, obtained from the Smithsonian on the 50th anniversary of Alan Shepard's historic flight. Recent acquisitions include a planetarium donated by Keith Valley Middle School and the original NADC Air Traffic Control Tower.
The Naval Air Development Center's innovations include developing the first GPS system installed in an airplane, the aircraft "black box" flight recorder, night vision goggles, space lubricants for Apollo missions, and the computers that controlled space capsules. Their work was instrumental in putting a man on the moon and winning the Cold War.
"This event beautifully illustrates how naval innovation connects across generations," said Michael Maguire, President of the NADC Museum. "The same spirit of exploration that led Robert Ballard to discover the Titanic using technology developed right here in Warminster is the spirit we're fostering in today's students. Every ticket sold helps us inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers who will tackle tomorrow's challenges."
The NADC museum partners with Delaware Valley University and Temple University on STEM programs, mentors the Archbishop Wood High School STEM Club, and serves as judges for regional science fairs. The museum also shares space with the John Fitch Steamboat Museum, celebrating another local innovation that launched America's Industrial Revolution.
Event Details
Tickets are available at http://www.titanicdinner.info or at www.nadcmuseum.org. Guests who purchase tickets before January 21st will receive a $10 discount. Seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact the NADC Museum or visit www.nadcmuseum.org.
About the NADC Museum
The Johnsville Centrifuge and Science Museum preserves the legacy of the Naval Air Development Center and its contribution to aviation and space technology. Located at the Craven Hall Historic Site in Warminster, PA, the museum's mission focuses on STEM education and celebrating the local innovations that shaped national history.
