The Maritime Archive and Library contains one of the finest collections of merchant shipping records in the UK. Titanic and Lusitania (Merseyside Maritime Museum has the original shipbuilder's model of the Titanic and one of Lusitania's propellers)

Visitors can investigate the terrible history of transatlantic slave trade and find out about the role of merchant ships in World War II.

At Merseyside Maritime Museum, you can retrace the steps of the nine million emigrants who left Liverpool between 1830 and 1930 for new lives in America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Visitors can also travel back in history on board the pilot boat Edmund Gardner to World Cup Final day 1966 (Easter - October only). Visitors can also visit the Pier Master's House and Offices.

At the museum you can explore the history of Liverpools seafaring tradition and the merchant navy.

The Lusitania was a luxury steamship owned by Liverpool based Cunard Steamship Company. It sank 11 miles off the Irish coast in 1915 when it was hit by a torpedo from German submarine U-20. The Lusitania was apparently listed as Armed Merchant Cruiser. It sank within 18 minutes, 1201 people died.

The Titanic wasn't build in Liverpool, but Liverpool is the home of the White Star Line, the shipholders of the Titanic and the Lusitania. Both ships have their catastrophic history, and so it's no wonder that the maritime museum has a special floor for these two.

Overlooking the Albert Dock, the cafe offers a selection of hot and cold meals, cakes and refreshments. The museum shop has a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards and posters.

The most thought provoking and emotion inducing exhibit though is the Transatlantic Slavery exhibit. You are shown what kinds of horrible conditions slaves were put through and its very shameful to imagine that this kind of thing went on.

Various temporary exhibits show up at the museum so be sure to check out their website to see what's on during your stay.

Merseyside Maritime Museum is well worth a few hours of your time. It offers a unique insight into the history of the great port of Liverpool - covers the wars, emigration, slavery and Titanic and Lusitania exhibitions to name a few.