Cool display opens at Orange Regional Museum

Shackleton: Escape from Antarctica, brings together first-hand accounts and dramatic images by official expedition photographer Australian Frank Hurley to tell the story of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-17 and his bid to stay alive.

The display opens at Orange Regional Museum on October 16.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said Shackleton’s story was one of discovery and survival and it was wonderful children and adults alike, in Orange, could discover the story for themselves.

“The Shackleton panel display is the latest in a series of continuing updates within the museum to keep it fresh and relevant and encourage people to come back time and again,” Cr Kidd said.

“The display opens before the end of the school holidays so it’s a great thing for parents and carers to put on the to-do list.

“But it will also be an excellent resource for schools for the next month.”

The story of Shackleton is a harrowing tale of adventure and began in August 1914 with a bold plan to cross Antarctica’s vast interior.

Shackleton’s 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 experiences of both parties and asks visitors to think about their reaction and decisions.

Kevin Sumption, director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum said,

“The story of Shackleton’s epic expedition thrilled thousands of visitors during its run in Sydney. And we

are delighted that this touring panel exhibition will share this fascinating story with people all around

Australia.

Schools are invited to make use of the display and accompany learning resources.

Orange Regional Museum is offering school visits to the display including worksheets and activities.

A comprehensive learning pack can be downloaded from www.orangemuseum.com.au/shackleton.