Topic: The Franklin Expedition

Speaker: Sandra Pentney

The search for a Northwest Passage from western Europe to the orient through the arctic persisted for five centuries. Such a passage would provide a much shorter and direct trade route, the economic implications of which could not be understated. Between 1497 and 1851, more than 30 expeditions attempted to map a passage. On May 19, 1845, an expedition led by Sir John Franklin left England aboard the HMS Terror and Erebus, staffed by 129 men. The navy insisted on state-of-the-art technology due to the importance of the expedition. The ships were retrofitted with never-before-used reinforcements and mechanics and provided tinned foods, a new invention for crew provisions. A boiler system was installed to provide engine power, heat, and fresh water. No expense was spared. In July of that year, the expedition encountered and traded with two commercial whaling ships. At this point, the ships and crew were reported to be in good condition. This was the last known contact with Franklin and his men. This presentation summarizes 175 years of searching for the lost expedition. Rumors of mutiny and cannibalism will be addressed as we follow the journey of unraveling this enduring mystery. Please note that this presentation will include photographs of human remains.

Sandra Pentney is a local consulting archaeologist. Her interest in the Franklin Expedition stems from investigations in the 1980s reported in the news. She has followed developments in the searches for remains and scientific studies on artifacts. She credits the search for the Franklin Expedition as the impetus for her becoming an archaeologist.