Helen Benziger’s connection to her great-grandmother, Margaret “Molly” Brown, was not initially one of pride or acknowledgment in her family. It wasn’t until Benziger was a child and watched the movie musical ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ in 1964 that she learned about her famous ancestor.
During a recent visit to the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver, Benziger recounted how her mother, while watching the film with her four children, revealed to them that the captivating character on screen was, in fact, their great-grandmother.
This revelation ignited a lifelong passion for Benziger, who has since become a historian specializing in the impactful life of Margaret Brown. She believes that Margaret would have remained aboard the Titanic longer, advocating for others, had circumstances allowed.
Benziger shared insights with Colorado Matters Senior Host Ryan Warner as they celebrated Margaret’s birthday, reflecting on the family letters recently acquired by the museum.
Warner began by noting the significance of the date, July 18th, which marks Margaret’s birthday. He asked how Margaret had shaped Benziger’s own life.
“The impact Margaret has had on my life is extraordinary,” Benziger replied. “Though I never met her, my admiration for her runs deep. She has instilled in me resilience, determination, and empathy, which have been vital during tough times in my life. I often find myself seeking strength from her spirit.”
Warner humorously inquired if Margaret responded in any way.
Benziger laughed, sharing a personal experience with her great-grandfather, Jim, explaining, “One time, I sat in his chair and began talking to him, feeling an unexpected presence. Initially scared, I asked him to leave, and the feeling dissipated. It was surreal.”
As their conversation continued, Warner expressed interest in recent discoveries about Margaret. Benziger revealed that she had learned just the day before that Margaret was a talented guitarist, further showcasing her adventurous and accomplished nature, which included speaking five languages and advocating for early juvenile justice reform. Margaret even ran for the Senate eight years before women gained the right to vote.
Warner noted her collaborative work with Judge Ben Lindsey in reshaping the juvenile justice system to protect young boys from being placed in adult prisons, highlighting her compassion and forward-thinking.
As they discussed Margaret’s time on the Titanic, Benziger elaborated on her great-grandmother’s actions during the disaster. “Margaret reported to the family upon her return that she was walking along the ship’s railing as it sank, trying to persuade women to board the lifeboats who were reluctant to leave their husbands. They were led to believe it was merely a precaution, and many were unconvinced.”
She continued, “As Margaret reached lifeboat number six, two officers intervened, lifting her into the boat and insisting she was to accompany them.” Benziger emphasized that Margaret firmly believed that women aspiring for equal rights should also assume responsibilities.
After the tragedy, Benziger pointed out that many women returned to New York without their husbands, facing an uncertain future devoid of financial support, jobs, or stable living conditions. The societal expectation during that period left many women facing the prospect of life in poverty as maids or waitresses.
Shifting the conversation to the ongoing exhibition at the Molly Brown House Museum titled “See Justice Done: The Legacy of the Titanic Survivors’ Committee,” Warner noted Margaret’s significant role as head of the Survivors Committee.
“She led that committee until her death,” Benziger affirmed. Warner queried why Margaret maintained such a passionate commitment to helping other survivors.
“Her empathy drove her,” Benziger responded. “She had a remarkable ability to connect with and address the suffering and challenges others faced, doing everything in her power to alleviate their struggles.”
Warner provocatively asked whether Benziger’s role as a historian and a family member might bias her perspective of Margaret.
“Not at all,” Benziger quickly retorted with a laugh. “I’ve never viewed life through rose-colored glasses. In fact, I once discussed Margaret with James Cameron, the director of the film ‘Titanic.’ I told him that if I had his budget, I would have portrayed her differently in the movie.”
Curious, Warner asked how she felt the cinematic representation differed from the real Margaret.
Benziger elaborated, suggesting that the true depth and complexities of Margaret Brown’s character and achievements were not fully captured on screen, and she believed that most audiences would not recognize the authentic Molly Brown if portrayed accurately.
As the conversation concluded, Helen Benziger’s admiration for her great-grandmother shone through, revealing a woman of extraordinary resilience and compassion whose legacy continues to inspire and educate people today.
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