Throughout this page I will take you on a journey and tell an amazingly true story. A story which started from a joke left on a genealogy message board by Michael Madigan (Sharecroppers Trio), to a visit to a Titanic Artifact Exhibit, and an email from a wonderful lady, Karen Thomas from Ohio who has turned this story into a quest to find out whatever became of Margaret "Maggie" Madigan - Titanic Survivor. You will hear the intro and the song written by Michael Madigan and hear the story behind how it all began. A Heartfelt story by two friends.


June of 2002, Karen Thomas was fortunate enough to visit The Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio to see the Titanic Artifact Exhibit.

Upon entering the exhibit, everyone was given a reproduction of the White Star Lines ticket to board the Titanic. Across the top of the ticket was the name of a passenger who sailed on that fateful voyage and the class in which this person sailed, First, Second, or Third. On Karen's ticket, read the name, Margaret "Maggie" Madigan, Third Class Passenger.

Having heard about the fate of most third class passengers, Karen felt certain that Maggie was undoubtedly a lost soul. The exhibit itself was, for her, very moving. To see the personal effects of people who were full of life and some looking forward to a new life in a new country, was at times overwhelming for Karen.

The walking tour could take up to 3 or 4 hours depending on how long it took you to view and comprehend what you were seeing and reading, as every room had on the surrounding walls bits of trivia concerning either passengers, crew, or the ship itself.

At the end of the tour, on the last wall, was a list of every passenger and crew member, declaring if that person were lost or saved. Much to Karen's surprise, Margaret "Maggie" Madigan was saved!

As Karen was driving back home, she kept repeating Maggie Madigan's name over and over to herself, thinking what a strong name it was and how courageous she must have been at 21 years old. A few days later, Karen Thomas searched the internet and decided she just had to know all about this woman and what happened to her after she came to the United States. She read books, but with not much biography about Maggie Madigan. It seems Maggie Madigan had disappeared into obscurity, taking with her, a most tragic story.

Karen found the Madigan Genealogy site and Michael Madigan's posting about being Maggie's great great nephew. At first, she felt it was tongue-in-cheek, but still felt compelled to write to him. "I searched hundreds of sites, each one ending at a blank wall". says Karen

Well unfortunately for her search, it was a joke, but the end result was that she made a wonderful friend with whom she's shared many cultural exchanges in the form of Michael's music and articles about NewFoundland, and "Odds and Ends" about Ohio.

Karen, along with Michael's daughter Kerri, who is also mentioned on the introduction of the Maggie Song, and has an interest in the story have become good friends as well. Karen's search for Maggie is still ongoing with new sites popping up periodically.

Michael Madigan's enthusiasm has been a delight to Karen in writing a song and spreading the word, not only in NewFoundland but all over Canada and the U.S. with friends and family.

"I am happy to have been the one to inspire him and I encourage him to take this endeavour as far as he can." says Thomas.

Maggie Madigan survived the Titanic only to sink into the unknown waters of history. The only infomation that can be found on Maggie Madigan is that she was a third class passenger who survived the dark waters of that ill-fated night. She was lowered into life boat #15 with 65 other passengers just 40 minutes before the final sinking.

Maggie Madigan, though unknown to us, lives in the hearts of many a stranger. So the question still remains and the quest begins....
Whatever happened to Margaret "Maggie" Madigan?

Click the logo below to listen to Michael Madigan's intro and the fascinating song and the story behind the song. Maggie Madigan - Titanic Survivor.

 

Credits:
•Mike Madigan - Songwriter - Vocals
(Socan)

•Rick Wheeler - Bass - Mandolin - Producer

Maggie Madigan - Titanic Survivor was recorded at Rick Wheeler's Studio.

•Karen Thomas - For her most interesting story and input.

Do you have any information to share about Margaret "Maggie" Madigan? If so please contact one of the people below.

Note: Please remove ***NOSPAM*** in the email addresses below before sending email.

Mike Madigan

Karen Thomas

Cathy Devereaux

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Graphic and Web Design on this site is © Copyright 2003 Cathy Devereaux unless otherwise noted and may not be copied or duplicated without expressed written consent. Ideas, concepts, and content are a joint project between Mike Madigan, Sharecroppers Trio , Karen Thomas and Cathy Devereaux. Music, provided by and is © Copyright 2003 Mike Madigan and may not be copied or duplicated without expressed written consent.


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