By Nancy Johnson Horn, Editor
Recently we attended SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure, an interactive, multi-media exhibit containing more than 500 artifacts from deep-ocean expeditions around the world. This not to be missed exhibit brings the world’s most amazing deep-sea discoveries to the crossroads of the world at New York City’s Discovery Times Square.
Produced by Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and Discovery Times Square, SHIPWRECK! offers visitors a unique look into the depths of the ocean through a mix of actual historical artifacts and hands-on, interactive computer games and exhibits. This exhibit helps to bring history to life by uncovering priceless knowledge from the depths of the sea.
Artifacts found at the exhibit, such as rare bottles, porcelain figurines, and a 300-year-old carpenter’s folding ruler, lets visitors travel back in time as they get an up close and personal look at over 2,000 years of nautical history. My kids got to touch real gold and silver, recovered from the deep, including the first ever display of silver recovered from the SS Gairsoppa over three miles deep.
One of the exhibit’s most coveted highlights is the wreck of the SS Republic, a Civil War-era side-wheel steamship which sank to the bottom of the ocean in 1865 due to a ferocious storm. The Republic, yielding over 51,000 silver and gold coins and 14,000 artifacts, was discovered by Odyssey 1,700 feet below the surface of the Atlantic in 2003 and now provides visitors with a detailed look at life in America in the late 19th century.
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure also offers guests the chance to put their skills to the test by piloting a virtual submersible over the Republic wreck site and scouring for artifacts with an operable model of Odyssey’s remotely Operated Vehicle ZEUS’ robotic arm. The exhibit’s Hurricane Simulator also pushes guests’ strength to the limit as they face up against 75-mph winds.
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure will be on display at Discovery Times Square, located at 226 W 44th St New York, NY 10036. For more information, visit http://www.discoverytsx.com/exhibitions/shipwreck
For details on Odyssey’s activities and its commitment to the preservation of maritime heritage please visit www.shipwreck.net.
