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Ernest Shackleton set out with 27 men to cross the Antarctic Continent, but before landing, his ship was locked into the ice and eventually crushed. The men were stranded on the Weddell Sea ice pack, and only barely managed to escape. Landing on the extremely remote Elephant Island, Shackleton left 22 of the men to survive while he and five others made an incredible small boat journey. Learn one of the greatest rescue stories of all time, with original photographs and photographs from Mark Jordan’s recent trip to the area.

Mark Jordan is an intrepid adventurer and lecturer with an abiding interest in exploration, especially Polar exploration. He recently adventured to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, tracing much of the route taken by Sir Ernest Shackleton in his Endurance Expedition. Mr. Jordan, a retired attorney, teaches and lectures on the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Shakespeare at various venues including the Walnut Creek Library, the Blackhawk Museum and Cal Sate University East Bay.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020, will cover the beginning of the adventure as Shackleton and his crew set sail in 1914 and eventually reach Elephant Island. Thursday, October 22, 2020, will focus on reaching Elephant Island, the open-boat journey, and the perilous rescue attempts. 

Live! From the Library, produced by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation, features free public lectures, literary events, and cultural programs for the Walnut Creek and Ygnacio Valley libraries. Live! Programs are currently online as we follow public health guidelines. Program sponsors are Friends of the Walnut Creek Library, East Bay Times, and Minuteman Press Lafayette.