World-leading Shackleton experts, polar historians, explorers and adventure enthusiasts have been lined up by the organisers of the 26th Shackleton Autumn School to be held in Athy, Co.Kildare, from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18.
Nine experts in their spheres are listed:
- Dr Dylan Colbert, performance psychologist, behavioural scientist and lecturer
- Ali Gellatly, Ship and Facilities Director at Dundee Heritage Trust, the charity responsible for the care and conservation of Captain Scott's Royal Research Ship Discovery
- Katherine MacInnes, award-winning author and exploration historian, best known for ‘Snow Widows’, which tells the story of Captain Scott's final Antarctic expedition through the experiences of the women left behind
- Steven Marston, grandson of George Marston, the artist and expedition member who accompanied Shackleton on both the Nimrodand Enduranceexpeditions
- Craig Mathieson, Scottish polar explorer, expedition leader, youth mentor and founder of the Polar Academy, a Scottish charity that helps young people build confidence and resilience through life-changing Arctic expeditions
- Neil Pepper, polar historian and researcher with a long-standing interest in Antarctic exploration and its legacy
- Allegra Rosenberg, New York-based writer and editor with a particular interest in exploration history
- Fabiënne Tetteroo, historian from The Hague, Netherlands
- Hugh Turner, nephew of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, Captain Scott's expedition member and author of The Worst Journey in the World
The Autumn School brings together historians, polar enthusiasts, Shackleton admirers, scientists and explorers of all ages and expertise from around the world for a unique weekend of celebration, discovery and adventure.
Endurance Remembered – A model of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance on display at the Shackleton Experience in Athy, where the explorer’s Antarctic expeditions and remarkable legacy are brought to life
“For one weekend every year, our town becomes a meeting place for some of the world's leading experts on polar exploration, alongside visitors who simply share a fascination with Ernest Shackleton's incredible story, “ according to Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience.
“Internationally renowned historians chatting with locals, seasoned explorers sharing stories with first-time visitors and people travelling from across the globe to celebrate Shackleton's legacy. It's an incredibly welcoming weekend with something for everyone, and we're looking forward to once again welcoming both our local community and visitors from around the world to celebrate.”
Born in Kilkea, just outside Athy, in 1874, Ernest Shackleton’s extraordinary story comes to life at the Shackleton Experience through dramatic digital storytelling, sensory effects, and recreated environments that let visitors step into his world.
Early Bird Tickets are on sale until August 31st. Book before the deadline to avail of early bird pricing and secure your place at this year’s Shackleton Autumn School. Tickets are available here.
