The Adventure Series has been hosted by Mystic Seaport for more than 65 years and provides a unique opportunity for attendees to meet adventurers firsthand and experience a wide array of challenges — on the sea, in the air, and on land — all over the world. Adventure is the pursuit of life – often with an unknown ending. Hear about the amazing personal journeys of these extraordinary individuals on their quests for knowledge, conservation, and survival.
The 2017-18 series begins October 19. Each talk is held at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. that day.
You can buy the full series of eight programs: Members: $70 • Non-members: $90. You can also purchase single program tickets: Members: $15 • Non-members: $20 • Students free. An early season special offer is buy one series ticket and receive two complimentary single tickets good for any speaker.
Call 860.572.5331 to register for any of the programs or purchase the series ticket.
The series is sponsored by StoneRidge, a senior living community.
Erica Cirino: In Pursuit of Plastic
Thursday, October 19, 2017
International science writer, artist, and wildlife rehabilitator Erica Cirino is on a mission to find out the truths about plastic pollution and its impact on the planet, wildlife, and people. Erica will share her experiences at sea and on land documenting some of the most polluted places on the planet, including the Pacific Garbage Patch in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Kamilo Beach in Hawaii, also known as “Plastic Beach” where there is now more “plastic sand” than natural sand on its shore.
Quentin Snediker and Whit Perry: Restoring Mayflower II
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Quentin Snediker, Shipyard Director and Clark Senior Curator for Watercraft at Mystic Seaport, and Whit Perry, Plimoth Plantation’s Director of Maritime Preservation and Operations and the Captain of the Mayflower II, will present the challenges and triumphs of the on-going restoration of the ship. This multi-year project is a collaboration of shipwrights from both Mystic Seaport and Plimoth Plantation in preparation to take Mayflower II back to sea in connection with the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ arrival in Massachusetts. Visitors can view the progress of the project in the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard.
Chris Cryder: Preserving Plum Island
Thursday, December 14, 2017*
Many mysteries and misconceptions surround Plum Island, located at the eastern end of Long Island. While Plum Island has been the home of the nation’s foreign animal disease center for more than 60 years, it is also home to several endangered species and unique habitats. The future of these species and habitats are in question with the potential sale of the island to private investors. Chris Cryder, Special Projects Coordinator for Save the Sound, will share the facts about the island, take us on a virtual tour, and discuss the latest efforts of what is being done to protect it.
*1:30 p.m. program will b held at StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic.
The Crew of the Oliver Hazard Perry: Life on the High Seas
Thursday, January 18, 2018*
The Oliver Hazard Perry is a 200-foot, full-rigged sailing school vessel with a mission to provide innovative and empowering education-at-sea programs. During the spring of 2017, her crew and students sailed to Cuba, providing the opportunity of a lifetime to learn sailing and experience the culture of a country that had been impossible to visit for more than half a century.
*Evening program will be at StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic.
Nelson Simon: The Accidental Sailor
Thursday, February 15, 2018*
When Nelson Simon signed up as a last minute crew member to transport a Norwegian schooner from Brooklyn to Bermuda, he pictured it as a sort of pleasure cruise. Instead, he found himself fighting for survival in the midst of what became known as “The Perfect Storm.” Join us as Nelson recounts his harrowing tale that began with a friendly invitation to sail on board the Anne Kristine and ended in the dead of night in a Coast Guard helicopter high above an angry sea.
*Evening program will be at StoneRidge, 186 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic.
Syma Ebbin: Researching Native Fisheries in the Pacific Northwest
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Associate Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut Avery Point and Research Coordinator for Connecticut Sea Grant, Syma Ebbin, has studied fisheries and environmental management throughout her academic career. Syma’s research has brought her to both Atlantic and Pacific coastal regions. At this presentation, she will share her personal experiences while researching the resources, traditions, and issues facing Native American fisheries in Alaska and Washington State.
Elizabeth Cottrell: Expedition to Artic Volcanoes
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Volcanoes are “windows to the interior” of our planet, according to Elizabeth Cottrell, director of the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program. The program studies the earth’s active volcanoes and reports on their eruptions. This research helps us understand how the interior of the planet has evolved and helps us prepare for future eruptions and prevent catastrophes. Elizabeth will share her own experiences in the arctic researching the awesome power and ancient wonders held within the earth.
James L. Nelson: From Tall Ships to Viking Longships
Thursday, May 17, 2018
The Viking invasion of Ireland is the backdrop of award-winning author James L. Nelson’s latest novels, “The Norseman Saga.” In the ninth century, Viking longships invaded the Irish countryside. James will discuss the fascinating history of the Viking raiding, settling, and assimilating into Irish culture as well as share his own journey from sailing on tall ships to becoming an accomplished author.
