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Shackleton exhibition makes its way to Whyalla
It’s one of the greatest survival stories of all time and now, more than 100 years later, a new panel display on tour from the Australian National Maritime Museum is on display in Whyalla.
The display invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of famous Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and discover his epic voyage of survival for themselves.
Shackleton: Escape from Antarctica, brings together first-hand accounts and dramatic images by official expedition photographer Australian Frank Hurley to tell the compelling story of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-17 and his bid to stay alive.
The display opened in Whyalla on Monday, May 15 at the Whyalla Maritime Museum, and will be on display until June 18, 2017.
Shackleton set out in August 1914 with a bold plan to be the first to cross Antarctica’s vast interior.
His strategy was to have two parties working from opposite sides of the continent.
He would lead the Weddell Sea crossing party while a second Ross Sea supply party would lay critical rations ahead of him.
Both ships were ultimately lost to their crews (one crushed and the other wrenched away by the ice), Shackleton’s party would never even touch the continent they hoped to cross, and the other would be marooned on it, desperately sledging across hundreds of kilometres of ice to lay depots for the party which would never come.
Through the eyes of modern-day adventurer Tim Jarvis AM, who re-enacted parts of Shackleton’s journey, and biologist and Shackleton fellow Mel Mackenzie, the display follows the harrowing experiences of both parties and asks visitors to think about their reaction and decisions.
Australian National Maritime Museum chief executive officer Kevin Sumption said Shackleton display had thrilled thousands of visitors during its time in Sydney.
“We are delighted that this touring panel exhibition will share this fascinating story with people all around Australia,” Mr Sumption said.
Shackleton: Escape from Antarctica is on display at the Whyalla Maritime Museum from May 15, 2017 to June 18, 2017, and is open every day of the exhibition from 10am until 4pm.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for concession, $7 per child, or $31 per family.
Admission also includes access to the museum and gardens and guided ship tour on the HMAS Whyalla WWII Bathurst Class Corvette, held at 11.30am and 1.30pm daily.
Bookings for ship tours can be made through the Whyalla Visitor Information Centre 8645 7900.