Race to the End of the Earth at the AMNH
On May 29, 2010 the exhibit “Race to the End of the Earth” opened at the American Museum of Natural History. This brand new multi-media exhibit will take you on a fascinating adventure as you learn about the exploration of Antarctica 100 years ago and today.
In the Antarctic summer of the years 1911-1912 (the southern hemisphere’s summers coincide with the northern hemisphere’s winters,) two team leaders, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and the British Captain of the Royal Navy Robert F. Scott, raced each other to be the first men to reach the south pole.
Using dioramas, (life size presentations of Emperor penguins, etc.,) props, (visitors can wear the same gear as real explorers to the south pole,) photographs, and lots more, visitors learn in an interactive and engrossing manner about the trials, challenges and tribulations of Antarctic exploration, 100 years ago and today.
Amundson succeeded in reaching the South Pole, and returned triumphant. He announced his success on March 7, 1912 when he sailed into Hobart, Tasmania. Unfortunately Amundson’s victory was marred by the fact that his rival, Robert F. Scott died during his trek to the Pole. Also in March, 1912, while Amundson was celebrating his triumph, Scott and his men were writing their last letters to their loved ones, colleagues and the general public. This is the point when Scott penned his most famous missive, the “Message to the Public” whose famous conclusion was, “Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for.”
Don’t miss this amazing exhibit and share in the triumphs, defeats and spirit of exploration that “Race to the End of the Earth” provides.
