PEORIA, Ill., April 15, 2025—In collaboration with discoverer of the RMS Titanic, Bob Ballard, the Peoria Riverfront Museum is excited to announce the international premiere of Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission, presented by CEFCU, opening September 27, 2025. Produced by Flying Fish in collaboration with Dr. Ballard's Ocean Exploration Trust, this world-premiere touring exhibition invites visitors on a thrilling deep-sea adventure of intrigue, exploration, and discovery.
At the heart of the experience is Dr. Robert Ballard, the legendary marine geologist, oceanographer, Naval Officer, and deep-sea explorer who led the 1985 expedition that discovered the wreck of RMS Titanic. For the first time, the now-declassified story of Ballard’s top-secret U.S. Navy mission is shared publicly, revealing how a covert Cold War operation to investigate two lost nuclear submarines led to one of the most important maritime discoveries in history.
“We are proud to announce an extraordinary new exhibition coming to Peoria Riverfront Museum, the world premiere of Dr. Robert Ballard’s Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission, with the generous support of presenting sponsor CEFCU, September 27 through early January 2026. We’re partnering with Bradley University’s OLLI program, which is helping to bring Dr. Ballard in person,” said John D. Morris, Peoria Riverfront Museum president and CEO.
In partnership with the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Dr. Ballard will appear in person at Bradley University on September 25 for a special OLLI event, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, personal reflections, and untold stories from his groundbreaking expedition.
The RMS Titanic, the world’s largest ship when it launched in 1911, sank on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic. More than 1,500 of its 2,240 passengers died. The shipwreck was discovered on September 1, 1985, by an expedition led by Ballard.
Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission tells the story of the Titanic’s discovery through the unique lens of Ballard’s classified Navy assignment to document the wreck sites of two nuclear submarines – USS Thresher and USS Scorpion – under the cover story of searching for the Titanic.
This groundbreaking exhibition focuses on that secret mission as the catalyst for one of the most iconic discoveries in modern history. Each section unpacks how the seemingly impossible was achieved, highlighting the extraordinary challenges Ballard and his team faced along the way.
“For the first time ever, we will tell and show you things you have never seen and heard before about our discovery of the RMS Titanic and the Cold War story that led to its discovery, that continues to give up its secrets,” said Dr. Robert Ballard. “Produced by Flying Fish and my Ocean Exploration Trust, it’s a powerful, behind-the-scenes look at this historic event, which became one of the most important maritime discoveries ever made. I can't wait to share this experience with you. See you there!”
Uncover hidden history, examine real objects from the expedition, and be part of this story of espionage, innovation, and discovery. The exhibition immerses visitors in an emotional, high-stakes journey through Cold War history and maritime legend. Visitors will also experience the breakthrough technologies that revolutionized deep-sea exploration and set new standards for future discoveries.
“This story has never been more relevant – a Cold War secret, cutting-edge science, and one of the greatest discoveries of all time,” said Jay Brown, Principal and Managing Director of Flying Fish. “We’re honored to bring it to life with Dr. Ballard and our partners, his Ocean Exploration Trust, and we can’t wait for Peoria to be the first to experience it.”
Dr. Robert Ballard will be at Bradley University for a live presentation on September 25, 2025, sponsored by OLLI.
Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission is a traveling exhibition produced and toured internationally by Flying Fish in collaboration with Ocean Exploration Trust.
Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission is presented by CEFCU.
The exhibition is sponsored by Gilmore Foundation, OLLI Bradley University, Merle and Adeline Dargel Fund for Science and Engineering, Anonymous, and Corporate Visionary Society Council.
Tickets and event information available soon at www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org.
