Marine history enthusiasts will have a chance to learn the fascinating story of a Nova Scotia ship that sank in the Pacific Ocean more than a century ago.
The Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation helped the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic acquire an artifact from the barque Lynnwood.
One of the few things Capt. John Ross was able to save from his rapidly sinking ship on Feb. 16, 1896, was his chronometer, one of the beautiful ship’s clocks critical for 19th century navigation.
“This rare piece of the province’s marine heritage helps tell the story of Nova Scotians facing some pretty tough circumstances halfway around the world, more than a century ago,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. “I extend my appreciation to the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation for partnering with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to ensure Captain John Ross’s chronometer is preserved for future generations.”
The independent charitable foundation was created in 2012. It is committed to raising funds to support the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and other maritime heritage organizations that collect, research, and interpret artifacts, documents, and other evidence of Canada’s maritime heritage.
“The foundation is pleased to help draw in broad community support to assist the Maritime Museum in fulfilling its mandate to collect artifacts that reflect Nova Scotia’s maritime heritage,” said John Young, co-chair, Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation.
The story of the barque Lynnwood, Capt. John Ross, and the chronometer will be the topic of the Tuesday Night Talk with marine history curator Dan Conlin and curator emeritus Marven Moore, on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax.
On Feb. 16, 1896, just past midnight, the Lynnwood from Windsor, stuck a reef in the South China Sea. The crew fled to open boats, but faced death by starvation and thirst, before their eventual rescue. The remarkable instrument survived the sinking and the perils of time.
For more information, visit http://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca .
Source: Release
