Prize Giving - Shackleton Project

On Wednesday, February 12th, everyone involved in the Shackleton project, along with guests, gathered for the prize-giving ceremony at the Museum, filled with excitement and anticipation.

Sandra spoke about how the project began as an idea supported by Museum Director, Andrea. The goal was to create an educational opportunity for the youth group, involving research, learning, and a written project, with four winners receiving an incredible prize: a trip overseas. The project focused on Shackleton's 1914-1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

Sandra shared how former Shackleton Museum Director Joe O'Farrell visited the Museum off a cruise ship last season. Their conversation sparked the idea, and he was eager to share it with the Shackleton Museum board in Ireland. This led to discussions with Dr. Jim and Geraldine McAdam, who have long-standing ties to the Falkland Islands' history. Dr. McAdam expressed a strong interest in the project. The McAdams was also excited to support the group’s trip to Ireland in August.

In September, during the International Congress for Maritime Museums in the Netherlands, Sandra met with Andrew Edwards CEO of the SS Great Britain. Plans were made for the youth group to visit, highlighting the Falklands connections.

Sandra outlined the planning stages, noting that what began as a small idea was now becoming a reality. Sponsors Polar Seafish Ltd and Argos Group Ltd were instrumental, funding the trip and supporting the educational goals of the Shackleton Project Competition.

The Museum collaborated with the Jane Cameron National Archives and Falklands College. Emma Brook, the Falkland College Manager and Museum Trustee, not only delivered a lecture on Shackleton but also agreed to travel to the UK and Ireland with the winners.

On January 25th, 11 students participated in the Shackleton Project. They split into two groups: one attending a lecture by Emma, while the other conducted research at the Archives. After lunch, they wrote a newspaper article about Shackleton’s 1914-1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, using their notes and additional materials. Despite the tight deadline, the students impressed everyone with their dedication and work.

The judging panel, including Andrea, Chloe, Emma, and Sandra, had a tough time evaluating the students based on presentation, grammar, understanding of the task, behaviour, attendance, interest, and effort.

Dr. Jim McAdam presented the certificates, sharing insights about the Shackleton Museum and Shackleton’s heroic story. The winners were announced: Ruby Marsh, Theo Young, Alice-Mae Curtis, and Benjamin Goodwin. Ruby’s project was particularly outstanding, and Dr. McAdam agreed to publish it in the 2025 Falkland Islands Journal.

The ceremony also marked Geraldine McAdam’s birthday, and the group celebrated with cake and birthday wishes, with Geraldine wishing that all the children could go to Ireland.

Thanks to the generous support of Polar Seafish Ltd and Argos Group Ltd, this incredible opportunity became possible. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for making this project a success!