Museum events

William Speirs Bruce

Lecture by Dr Isobel Williams
Tuesday 19th September, 2017, 6pm-7pm

Join the Friends of SPRI for a fascinating lecture by Dr Isobel P. Williamson on the life and discoveries of William Speirs Bruce. Bruce made discoveries that are recognised today. Under the banner of Scotland, he brought a team of experienced scientists together who contributed significantly to knowledge about the Polar Regions. On the Scotia expedition of 1902 to the Antarctic, he discovered new land bordering the Weddell Sea, made an unrivalled number of meteorological and oceanographic records and built a meteorological station in the South Orkneys that still operates today. His contribution to science, particularly oceanography, was probably greater and more lasting than any of his contemporaries.

Dr Isobel P. Williams qualified in medicine at St George's hospital, London and her interest in Antarctica began as a student – Edward Wilson, Scott's confidant and friend, had qualified in St George's and there were many of his iconic paintings in the medical school. Isobel became interested in Wilson and wrote his biography. She then subsequently wrote the biography of Chief Petty Officer, Edgar Evans. Along with her co-author John Dudeney, ex Deputy Director of BAS, Isobel has now completed the biography of William Speirs Bruce. The work is with the publishers and she is looking forward to speaking about Bruce's life and work.

This event is free to attend

Booking essential by emailing: friends@spri.cam.ac.uk

Missing Maps Polar Mapathon

Tuesday 10th October

6pm-8:30pm

Join us for an evening of polar mapping and pizza with the Missing Maps project. With just a laptop and some enthusiasm you can help us map some of Canada's Inuit communities and get a free after dark tour of The Polar Museum.

Missing Maps events support Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Red Cross and the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), to help improve maps of vulnerable or disaster affected places.

Book online. Free pizza and refreshments available on the night.

Little Explorers - Arctic Special

Monday 16th October
10am – 11am & 11.15 - 12.15pm

Explore the Arctic and the people and animals that live there in our special Festival of Ideas session of Little Explorers for under 5s! Join us for story and crafts with renowned storyteller, Marion Leeper.

Book places by emailing museumevents@spri.cam.ac.uk with your child's full name and age. For under 5s only. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings open on 25 September.

This special Festival of Ideas session is free of charge.

Living in the Arctic: Family Day

Saturday 21th October
10.30am – 3.30pm

Join us for a day exploring the Arctic and the animals and people that live there! Crafts and activities for all ages throughout the day as well as a chance to see live reindeer and find out about their natural environment.

Drop-in activties. Please be aware there may be a queue to see the reindeer. Suitable for all ages.

Sci-Fi at the Poles: Screening of 'The Thing' (1982)

Tuesday 24th October
7pm – 9pm

The truth is out there, and it is buried in the Antarctic ice in 1982. Join us for thrills and chills at the South Pole with a screening of John Carpenter's eighties horror classic 'The Thing' with an introductory talk by Dr John Ash on dread, fears and the Other in the polar environment.

Introductory talk (20 mins) Refreshments available for donations.

Book here: https://scifiatthepoles.eventbrite.co.uk

Teaching a Polar Project?

FREE session suitable for teachers of KS1, KS2 or KS3 classes.

Wednesday 25th October 2017
11am-1pm

Are you looking for activity ideas and inspiration for your polar project? We can help with resources, information, multi-disciplinary ideas, handling collections and activities for your classroom.

This session would also benefit teachers who have booked a self-guided visit to the Polar Museum.

For more information or to book a place please contact schools@spri.cam.ac.uk