Voyage to the Deep

Last week the world was astounded by the release of images of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, which rests on the ocean floor off the coast of Antarctica.

The lost ship had not been seen since it was crushed by ice and sank in the Weddell Sea on November 21st, 1915. Its rediscovery was accomplished one month after the 100th anniversary of Shakleton’s death.

Cold water prevented micro-organisms from attacking the wood and director for exploration Mensum Bound said it is “by far the finest wood shipwreck” he has ever seen.

The rediscovery of the three-masted ship fits in nicely with the Berkshire Museum’s current interactive exhibition, Voyage to the Deep, based on French author Jules Verne’s 1870 classic, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The exhibition brings to life the deep-sea adventures of Captain Nemo, his fantastical Nautilus submarine and the mythical world he inhabited.

“Everything is centered around this great interactive exhibit for children to enjoy, told through the eyes of Jules Verne,” said Hillary Dunne Ferrone, chief engagement officer for the museum. “All around the exhibit we have our classic sea paintings and we are exhibiting a sledge from Matthew Henson’s 1909 exploration as well as what General Dynamics is doing up to this very day. It’s really broad and really fascinating and is for all ages.”

At the center of is the giant Nautilus, which spans two rooms on the museum’s second floor. Kids can climb aboard and discover the inner workings of a deep-sea submersible. Visitors can take the helm, peer through the periscopes, crank the propeller, test the bunks and explore Captain Nemo’s Cabinet of Curiosities full of wonderful marine specimens.

This exhibition, presented in both English and Spanish, originated at the Australian Maritime Museum in 2015 and examines both ocean fantasy and the facts, allowing visitors to explore Verne’s imaginary world. Before coming to Pittsfield, it traveled to Milwaukee and San Antonio. It will be in Pittsfield until May 1 and can be viewed during regular museum hours.

The exhibition was more than a year in the making and Berkshire Museum decided to expand on the experience for area residents. Delving into its own collection it selected items to illustrate the Berkshires’ role in exploration. For example, the fur suit worn by Arctic explorer Matthew Henson on Robert Peary’s 1908-1909 Greenland expedition as well as one of the trip’s sledges are on view. Henson, who accompanied Peary on seven expeditions, is credited with being the first of Peary’s party to reach the geographic North Pole in 1909—the polar opposite of Shakleton’s quest five years later.

The Peary items came into the museum’s possession because Zenas Crane, founder of the Berkshire Museum, was on the 1908-1909 expedition. Peary donated 16 items from the journey to the museum.

Museum curators wanted to demonstrate how exploration has advanced technologically in a century so nearby sits a model of a Bluefin-21, an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) made by General Dynamics Missions Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics headquartered in Pittsfield. It focuses on surface ship integration, submarine combat systems, strategic weapons systems, unmanned surface vehicles and unmanned underwater vehicles.

Chief Experience Officer Craig Langlois described the process of choosing items for this show, “Inspiration for such exhibitions is rooted in our mission and collections. In conjunction with Voyage to the Deep, the museum is displaying 12 historic and contemporary works from our collection that contextualize the human connection to water.”

A staff-curated show, Blue, also features artwork in the unmistakable blue of the water referenced by deep sea explorers.

In addition to the museum experience, special presentations are planned. On Friday, March 25th, at 6:30 PM, Night Out at the Museum will present Coral Sex, with Dr. Lisl Esherick, a biologist whose research is centered on understanding symbiotic and parasitic relationships between animals and microbes. Yes, bees do it; fleas do it and even coral reefs do it. But how when they can’t move? Dr. Esherick will explain the ins and outs of coral sex, and why it’s crucial for scientists and conservationists to understand it.

The program, restricted to adults ages 21 and older, features snacks and a one-drink ticket, a cash bar and origami crafts in addition to a chance to explore the full exhibition. Tickets are $25 general admission and $20 for members. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the talk at 7:30.

On April 23rd, at 2 PM, a documentary, Chasing Coral, by Jeff Orlowski will be presented in the Little Cinema, revealing the ecosystem of coral reefs and their contributions to ocean health, human vitality and environmental balance. The screening will be followed by a discussion with experts in marine biology and environmental science. The film is best for viewers 9 and older.

The museum is located at 39 South St. Pittsfield and is open 10 AM-5 PM, Monday-Saturday, noon-5 PM Sunday. Regular admission is $15 adult, $8 child, $13 student; free admission for children ages 3 and younger, Berkshire Museum members, and EBT card holders. Proof of full vaccination (digital or printed card) and photo i.d. required of all visitors 18 and older. For more information go to 413-443-7171.