1. If I join in mid-year do I receive the issues from that calendar year or issues beginning from the date of joining?
TIS uses a membership year, rather than the calendar year. Our membership year runs from July 1 to June 30. During this period, members receive four issues of our journal, Voyage. If one, two or three issues of our journal have been distributed at the time you join, you will receive those issues, plus the remaining issue(s) when published. The fourth issue of each membership year includes a membership renewal form which must be completed and returned with a dues payment in order to receive the next four issues.
If we receive your membership request from April 15 through June 30, inclusive: Unless you specifically instruct us otherwise, your membership will be processed to commence with the next membership year, beginning July 1. In the interim, you are welcome to purchase additional issues of Voyage (click the How to Order Voyage Back Issues tab at the top of the page).
2. What is included in my membership? You will receive the four quarterly issues of Voyage which have been published during the membership year which runs from July 1 to June 30. You will also receive notification of any and all conventions and gatherings or special events which are held during the membership year.
3. How often are events scheduled for members during the year?
At a minimum, TIS offers a three-day convention every year. We’ve held conventions in such diverse locations as Chicago; St. Petersburg, Florida; Halifax, Nova Scotia and New York City. We’ve also sponsored two cruises. We also offer occasional, informal one-day “gatherings” of members, and can also assist members in contacting other members nearby to facilitate regional gatherings.
4. How do I submit an article for Voyage? Can someone help me with my article?
Our most recent members’ survey indicated that a majority of our members are hesitant to submit an article for publication because the don’t “feel qualified.” The most important thing is to choose a topic about which you’re passionate and get the facts right. Let our editors and proofreaders handle the rest. We’ll do our very best to make your submission the best it can be.
Text should typed using a common word processing program (i.e. MSWord MSOffice, WordPerfect). If you use a standard 8-1/2″ x 11″ “paper” with 1/2″ margins all around and 10-point Times or Times New Roman font, you’ll get a fairly good idea of the length of your article. Keep in mind that photos will increase the article’s length; you can estimate that 3-4 photos equals an additional page.
Photos should be submitted in .tif or .jpg format at a minimum of 300 dpi and should include complete captioning information (who, what, where, when and credit information). Please be sure that, if you’re submitting a copyrighted photo, you obtain written permission for publication.
Articles can be submitted to the editor Barb Shuttle via e-mail at VoyageEditor@aol.com or via U.S. mail to our P.O. Box. If your e-mail your submission is very large (over 16mb), please contact Barb via the above e-mail or by phone at (814) 873-8087 to make arrangements for delivery.
5. Does TIS have guest speakers who can come to my school, library, civic group, etc.?
Yes, indeed! Among our trustees are experienced speakers and retired teachers who can offer slide- or PowerPoint presentations on a variety of Titanic-related topics. All of our trustees reside in the northeastern United States, and most are willing to travel. We can also try to put you in touch with TIS members in your area who may be able to offer programs.
Fees, if any, are entirely within each trustee’s or member’s individual discretion and subject to negotiation.
6. How can I volunteer to help with certain TIS projects?
TIS encourages its members to get involved. If you have a special talent — writing, art, photography, convention planning, media experiences — we’d love to hear from you. Please contact our webmaster to volunteer.
7. How often are elections and how can I become a trustee?
Trustee elections are held every three years. The qualifications for trustee positions and the election process are explained in TIS’s bylaws, which members may obtain by contacting the webmaster.
8. I live outside of the United States, how can I send in annual dues?
Dues are payable in US currency. We accept checks drawn against US banks. We accept international money orders. We also have recently began to accept Paypal which automatically converts foreign currencies into US dollars.
9. How many terms can a trustee serve?
Under our present bylaws there is no limit on the number of terms a trustee may serve, but each must stand for re-election at the end of each three-year term.
10. Is there an annual business meeting?
Our bylaws require an annual business meeting, usually held during our annual convention. The business meeting offers every member the opportunity to ask questions of, and make suggestions to the board of trustees, and to receive updates about the Society’s projects and current status. TIS is the only U.S.-based Titanic society to offer this opportunity to interact with our leadership.
11. Help! I am not receiving my Voyage. Whom do I contact to make sure my payment was received and processed?
You can contact any trustee who will forward the individual member’s needs to the Treasurer. Specifically, you can contact Bob Bracken who will make sure the problem is solved and that you receive any and all Voyage journals due to you. Robertbrac@aol.com
12. I wish to reproduce an article and/or photo I see on your website. Whom do I contact? Is there a fee?
Articles and photographs are subject to copyright law. Each request to reproduce an article or photograph is handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the webmaster with details of your request.
13. Do I need to be a member of TIS to attend TIS functions?
Conventions require considerable advance planning involving decisions about room capacities, bus capacities, food orders, etc. and thus requiring preregistration. The best way to become aware of our convention dates is to be a member and receive the official announcements in Voyage. Our conventions are intended for our members, whose guests are also welcome to attend. Occasionally, certain portions of our conventions such as memorabilia displays and sales areas may be open to the public, as publicized on our website and in local media.
14. How can I donate an item to the TIS archives? Can I get a tax credit for this?
Titanic International Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Service Code. As such, donations to TIS are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. We welcome donations of items to our archives, but ask that you please contact us first, providing a complete description and, if possible, clear photographs of the item(s) you wish to donate.
I just bought a tie pin on Ebay which according to the seller, was her grandfather’s. It has the Titanic on the centre of the tie pin. How can I find out where this might have come from, and its age?
i want to become a member but I live in southern california, is there a brach of the Society here in southern california
Thanks for your email. We have members who live in California, but we have at this time, no chapters of the society.