Portland Woman Recounts Titanic Sinking in Presentation

Anna Warren and friend Helene Ostby were among the 705 survivors rescued from the doomed ship.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:11pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting a faint silhouette of a ship's hull emerging from a hazy, misty ocean scene, conveying the haunting and ethereal quality of the Titanic tragedy.The lingering effects of the Titanic disaster continue to be felt, even a century later, as survivors' stories inspire new generations.Providence Today

The sinking of the Titanic may have occurred in distant waters, but for 60-year-old Anna Warren of Portland, the disaster hit close to home. Warren and her friend Helene Ostby, 22, of Providence, Rhode Island, were passengers on the ill-fated ship, returning home after a 40th wedding anniversary trip, when it struck an iceberg. They were among the estimated 705 people rescued from lifeboats and brought aboard the RMS Carpathia. Their story of bravery and resilience in the aftermath will be told in a presentation this Sunday by historian Peri Muhich, sponsored by the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.

Why it matters

The presentation aims to illustrate the far-reaching effects of the Titanic disaster, both geographically and in terms of the lingering impact on survivors' lives. Warren's great-great granddaughter, Janet Carlson, will also attend the event, further connecting the tragedy to the local community.

The details

Warren and Ostby were passengers on the Titanic, returning home after a 40th wedding anniversary trip, when the ship struck an iceberg and sank. They were among the estimated 705 people rescued from lifeboats and brought aboard the RMS Carpathia. The presentation by historian Peri Muhich will focus on their story of bravery and resilience in the aftermath of the disaster.

  • The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912.
  • The presentation will be held this Sunday.

The players

Anna Warren

A 60-year-old Portland resident who was a passenger on the Titanic and survived the sinking.

Helene Ostby

A 22-year-old woman from Providence, Rhode Island, who was a passenger on the Titanic and survived the sinking alongside Anna Warren.

Peri Muhich

A historian who will present the story of Anna Warren and Helene Ostby's experience on the Titanic.

Julianne Lawrence

The director of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, which is sponsoring the presentation.

Janet Carlson

The great-great granddaughter of Anna Warren, who will attend the presentation.

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What they’re saying

“These two really helped each other cope and get through both the rescue and afterward. It's an incredible story of bravery and strength and trying to forge ahead after a tragedy.”

— Julianne Lawrence, Museum Director

What’s next

The presentation by historian Peri Muhich will be held this Sunday at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about Anna Warren and Helene Ostby's experiences on the Titanic and their resilience in the aftermath.

The takeaway

The presentation on Anna Warren and Helene Ostby's Titanic experience serves as a powerful reminder of the far-reaching impact of the disaster, both geographically and on the lives of survivors. It also highlights the strength and bravery of those who endured the tragedy and worked to move forward in its wake.