Mid-America Science Museum (MASM) will open the 2012 blockbuster SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure, presented by Odyssey Marine Exploration on February 14. This interactive, multi-generational exhibit features hundreds of artifacts from several of Odyssey’s shipwreck recovery projects, allowing children and adults to learn the history behind shipwrecks.
“We are thrilled to bring this exhibit to Arkansas,” says Andy Marquart, Executive Director of Mid-America Science Museum. “SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure is the largest and most complex exhibit the Museum has ever hosted.
Focusing on the SS Republic, this 8,000 square feet exhibit showcases the Civil War-era steamship that was lost in a hurricane off the coast of Georgia while en route from New York to New Orleans in 1865. It was discovered by Odyssey in 2003 nearly 1,700 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. This interactive exhibit provides a unique look at life in North America during the late 19th century by showcasing thousands of shipwreck artifacts including an ironstone tooth brush, dominoes, medicine bottles, a chamber pot, gold and silver coins and much more.
In addition to having the opportunity to closely inspect shipwreck artifacts; visitors will have the chance to experience the various steps in shipwreck exploration. “It is rare to find a truly hands-on and educational exhibition that focuses on collections, technology, adventure, and history the way SHIPWRECK! does,” says Marquart.
“We are honored that Odyssey Marine Exploration was willing to let MASM host this exhibit,” says Nicole Herndon, Director of Marketing for Mid America Science Museum. “Not only is the history part fascinating, you literally are immersed in the science and technology of it all. This exhibit is a great asset not only for Hot Springs but for the state of Arkansas.”
In a behind-the-scenes look, guests are encouraged to use research and technology to locate shipwrecks, pilot a remotely operated vehicle, test their dexterity using a manipulator arm to pick up coins one at a time and identify artifacts as they are located on the sea floor.
“Odyssey is excited to showcase our SHIPWRECK! exhibit at the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Viewing Odyssey’s high-tech operations, interesting artifacts, and the amazing historical stories we uncover, will offer visitors a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience what it is like to be a shipwreck explorer!” said Mark Gordon, Odyssey President and COO.
High seas exploration would not be complete without pirates and treasure. With pirate lore, legends and facts, visitors will encounter some of the notorious pirates that sailed the seas such as Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, Barbary Corsairs, Privateers and Buccaneers.
SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure opens February 14-September 4; general admission does apply.
About Odyssey Marine Exploration:
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NasdaqCM: OMEX) is engaged in deep-ocean exploration and uses innovative methods and state-of-the-art technology. The company is a world leader in shipwreck exploration, conducting extensive deep-ocean search and archaeological recovery operations on shipwrecks around the world. For more on Odyssey, please visit http://www.shipwreck.net./
About Mid-America Science Museum:
Mid-America Science Museum (MASM) is Arkansas’ largest interactive science center. With over 100 permanent and traveling exhibits, the Museum seeks to amaze all ages. Museum Hours from February 14-May 26, 2012: 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and on Monday’s in March; May 27-September 4: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily. For more information visit www.MidAmericaMuseum.org or call (501) 767-3461.
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