Harper Government and Royal Ontario Museum Formalize Partnership to Bring the Story of the Franklin Expedition to Canadians

The Franklin Outreach Project will include pop-up displays, lectures, and exhibitions and incorporate contemporary research and technology and Inuit traditional knowledge to bring the Franklin story to life. The centrepiece of the travelling programme is a 3D printed replica of the bell recovered from HMS Erebus.  A nationwide program hosted by the ROM is also in development with members of the History Museums Network and Parks Canada to bring to life this important part of Canadian history.   

The Franklin Outreach Project will include pop-up displays, lectures, and exhibitions and incorporate contemporary research and technology and Inuit traditional knowledge to bring the Franklin story to life. The centrepiece of the travelling programme is a 3D printed replica of the bell recovered from HMS Erebus.  A nationwide program hosted by the ROM is also in development with members of the History Museums Network and Parks Canada to bring to life this important part of Canadian history.   

On May 19, 1845, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror of the Royal Navy departed Greenhithe, England, under the command of Sir John Franklin on a much-heralded Arctic expedition in search of a Northwest Passage. The two expedition ships were last seen entering Baffin Bay in August 1845. Franklin's ships are an important part of Canadian history given that his expeditions, which took place nearly 200 years ago, laid the foundations of Canada's Arctic sovereignty. The fate of the Franklin expedition was one of Canada's great mysteries.

The incredible tale of the historic Franklin expedition and the recent discovery of one of his two ships, HMS Erebus, will be presented to even more Canadians thanks to a new collaboration between Parks Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).

Quick Facts 

Quotes  

"The Franklin Project will allow Canadians across the country to learn about and enjoy the mysteries of the Franklin Expedition. The discovery of this legendary vessel reveals so much about who we are as a nation and I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Ontario Museum so that Canadians can be inspired by this remarkable story as it continues to unfold."

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada 

"The ROM is delighted to be partnering with Parks Canada to help tell the unfolding Franklin story over the next three years. This is a tremendous opportunity during the ROM's Centennial year for our visitors and people across the country to learn more about one of Canada's most enduring mysteries."

Ms. Janet Carding
CEO and Director of the Royal Ontario Museum  

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Associated Links 

Parks Canada: http://www.pc.gc.ca

Royal Ontario Museum: http://www.rom.on.ca

 

Office of the Minister of the Environment, +1-819-997-1441; Media Relations, Parks Canada, +1-855-862-1812; ROM Media, Marnie Peters, +1-416-586-5858, [email protected]