A new Titanic exhibit will soon be opening in St. John’s, and for the man behind the project it is a passion project decades in the making.

Larry Daley, a Titanic diver and logistics specialist, has put together an exhibit that features storyboards, displays, artifacts, and props from James Cameron’s 1997 classic film.

Daley says he knew the story of the ill-fated ship as a child and had seen various films, but it was a chance meeting in 1985 that really sparked his interest.

He says the group that was on the expedition that discovered the Titanic wreck ended up at Christian’s Pub while they were waiting for their flights. Daley heard them celebrating asked what for, to which they replied that they had “just found Titanic.” He says he had a drink with them and that made him more interested in the Titanic story.

From there Daley became involved with expeditions, culminating with his 2003 dive to the wreck site in a submersible.

He knew after seeing the 1997 film that he had to do something to showcase the Newfoundland connection to the story.

In particular he highlights his work with the Johnson Geo Centre over the years in making the displays a reality. He says it is significant to have the display in downtown St. John’s, the closest point to the Titanic wreck site. He says his heart and passion has been put into the project, and it feels good to share the story.

Daley hopes to have the exhibit open to the public in early May. It is located in the same building as the Merchant Tavern in downtown St. John’s.