The Ocean Explorium welcomes Catherine Dempsey, who will present "True as the Compass:  The Life and Expeditions of Captain Bob Bartlett" on Thursday, September 2, 2010.  According to Ms. Dempsey, Captain Bartlett, the "Greatest Canadian Ice Captain", was chosen by Admiral Peary to command the Roosevelt on his quests for the North Pole in 1905 and 1909. 

 

In 1913, while on an expedition under Vilhalmar Stefansson, Captain Bartlett turned disaster into triumph after ice crushed their ship, Karluk.  Bartlett trekked across 700 miles of Arctic ice to find and organize a heroic rescue.  Later, from 1926 to 1946, Captain Bartlett greatly expanded scientific knowledge while commanding Arctic voyages aboard the Effie M. Morrissey.

 

Ms. Dempsey was the Executive Director of the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.  This non-profit organization presents the history of this Canadian province and is responsible for the exhibit "SEA & ICE:  The Extraordinary Life of Captain Bob Bartlett".  This exhibit chronicles the Arctic explorations of Bartlett and his ship, the Effie M. Morrissey, now known as the Schooner Ernestina.  "SEA & ICE" remains on view in the Ocean Explorium through Sunday, September 5.

 

The Ocean Explorium is pleased to present this and other important subjects at its speaker series, Ocean Voice.  Doors open at 6:15 pm for refreshments and mingling in the Ocean Explorium before the talk at 7 pm.

 

For more information, contact Abbey Spargo at aspargo@oceanexplorium.org, by calling 508.994.5400, or you may visit the Ocean Explorium website at www.oceanexplorium.org.

 

Fall / Winter Hours, effective September 5 (closed Labor Day):  Ocean Explorium will be open Thursday through Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm.  Admission:  $7.50/Adult, $6/Senior (55+), $5.50/Child (3 - 17).  Children under 3 and members are free!