Antarctica, the Frozen Continent I The Golden Age of British Antarctic Exploration

Registration for this event has closed due to catering requirements. Please do add your name to the waiting list in case we are able to expand the food order.

Immerse yourself in the frozen tundra of Antarctica with this first-ever Britsburgh event in partnership with the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium! 

This multi-faceted program will feature talks on the geography of what famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton termed the “region of ice and snow;” the history of the Golden Age of British Antarctic Exploration in the early 20th century (Scott and Shackleton expeditions); the experiences of contemporary travelers and explorers; and a wildlife component about some of the species who make their home in the Frozen Continent. 

Speakers will include Sally Wiggin, retired WTAE anchor, whose travels have included South Georgia Island, where Shackleton is buried; Kim Szczypinski of Britsburgh's History Society and Duquesne University; and award-winning Pittsburgh filmmaker Keith Reimink, who spent a year working at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where he filmed his award-winning documentary No Horizon Anymore.  And you won’t want to miss the included traditional full English breakfast followed by a visit to some of the native residents of Antarctica in the PPG Aquarium!

Best suited for ages 16 and up.  Proceeds of this event will be be shared by Britsburgh and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

The History: Kim Szczypinski, Britsburgh board member and leader of its History Society, will give a talk and slide presentation about the Golden Age of British Antarctic Exploration in the early 20th century, including some Pittsburgh connections you may not know about.  She has led Duquesne University study abroad courses to Europe for for the recent World War I Centenary.

The Place:  Local award-winning filmmaker Keith Reimink, owner of Daliborka Films, has spent extensive time in Antarctica, including a year living and working as a chef at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.  In addition to No Horizon Anymore, his documentaries include Day of the Western Sunrise, the forgotten story of the Japanese fishing vessel Lucky Dragon, the Castle Bravo nuclear tests, and the resulting damage and devastation still felt in Japan 65 years later.    

The Travel: Sally Wiggin, prominent Pittsburgh television personality, retired award-winning WTAE news anchor, and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium board member, will share memories of her travels and experiences in Antarctica and South Georgia Island.

 
The Breakfast: In honour of those intrepid early British Antarctic explorers, we'll enjoy an English styled breakfast!

The Penguins!:  We'll visit them at their home in the PPG Aquarium. 

PROGRAMME:

10:00 am:  English styled breakfast

10:20 am:  Overview of the history of British Antarctic Exploration, with emphasis on the early 20th century Scott and Shackleton expeditions, by Kim Szczypinski

10:45 am:  Filmmaker Keith Reimink shares his experiences living and working in Antarctica and screens footage shot for his documentary film, No Horizon Anymore

11:15 am:  Sally Wiggin shares memories and photos of her visits to Antarctica and South Georgia Island

11:30 am:  Walk to PPG Aquarium where Zoo curators will give us an up-close and personal visit with some of the resident Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins!

MENU:

Bacon and eggs

British-style Heinz Baked Beans

Scones and Clotted Cream

Fresh fruit

Coffee, tea and juice

MEMBERS LOGIN FOR $32 REGISTRATION. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.  Pre-registration is required for this event.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is located between the Lawrenceville and Highland Park neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. The main entrance, known as the Butler Street entrance, is just off of Butler Street after a quick turn on Baker Street.  Free parking is available in the main parking lot at the Butler Street entrance. Although the Zoo’s mailing address is One Wild Place, please use 7370 Baker Street when generating directions using a GPS so you are taken to the main parking lot.

For more information on this event, contact Kim Szczypinski of Britsburgh's History Society at kimberly2859@msn.com.

Explore fascinating British-themed topics with the guidance of experts and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow enthusiasts as a member of one of Britsburgh Societies: Britsburgh Arts Society, the Britsburgh Beer Society, the Britsburgh History Society, the Britsburgh Literary Society and the Britsburgh Tea Society. If you are not already a member, I would like to invite you to consider becoming a Britsburgh Society member. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.

THE BRITSBURGH TEAM