Dr. Robert Ballard will speak at Bath’s Maine Maritime Museum on Friday, Sept. 20. Flickr.com & Creative Commons

BATH — Dr. Robert Ballard, best known for his historic discoveries of the sunken RMS Titanic, will speak at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Maine Maritime Museum, 243 Washington St.

He has conducted more than 150 deep-sea expeditions using the latest in exploration technology.

Ballard will discuss the real nature of his expedition to find the wreckage of the Titanic: a top secret Navy mission to map the wreckage of the U.S. submarines USS Scorpion and USS Thresher that were lost with all hands during the Cold War, according to a news release from Amanda Pleau at the museum.

There are three billion acres of submerged territory within the U.S.’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Ballard will share his current efforts to explore this largely uncharted territory, including a live feed from the exploration vessel Nautilus. These explorations will dramatically enhance our understanding of this vast resource. What we come to learn will strengthen the Blue Economy, aid in responsible management, and promote greater scientific understanding.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Robert Ballard to our museum” said Chris Timm, executive director. “His unparalleled contributions to ocean exploration, discovery and education through his live, remote learning Jason Project aligns with our mission to connect people to the past, present, and future of Maine’s waterways and their global reach. Dr. Ballard’s visit not only highlights this commitment, but also will help raise essential funds to support our educational and community initiatives.”

This intimate fundraising event will feature an exclusive VIP cocktail reception where select guests will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Ballard, have their photo taken with him, and receive a signed copy of his autobiography “Into the Deep.”

Tickets are available at mainemaritimemuseum.org or by calling 207-443-1316, ext. 327.

Check out other upcoming area events!