Shackleton Memorial Cross to go on display in Dundee commemorating 150th anniversary of his birth

The Boss’ Memorial Cross transported over 7,000 thousand miles from South Georgia to Dundee aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

It has been announced that the cross from Shackleton’s Hope Point memorial will soon be on display at Discovery Point museum; home of the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery, the ship that first carried Shackleton to Antarctica in 1901.

Following the untimely death of Sir Ernest Shackleton on 5th January 1922 on South Georgia, the Quest crew members of the Shackleton-Rowett expedition erected this memorial at Hope Point on South Georgia, near to Shackleton’s final resting place in Grytviken Cemetery.

Bringing the Memorial Cross to Dundee is a collaboration between the Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT) the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), and comes as the 150th anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s birth is celebrated across the globe; with events, conferences and celebrations planned throughout 2024.

As a charity, DHT is appealing to visitors, Shackleton enthusiasts and Polar exploration fans, in an effort to fundraise for the Cross’ care at Discovery Point in order that it may be shown to generations of young polar explorers in the years to come, preserving not only Shackleton’s legacy, but that of the early age of Polar exploration. The Trust hope to fundraise £10,000.

The announcement comes as the 150th anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s birth is celebrated across the globe; with events, conferences and celebrations planned throughout 2024.

Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT) is the independent charity registered in 1985 that cares for the Royal Research Ship Discovery, two Recognised Collections of National Significance, and operates top-rated visitor attractions Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum in Dundee.

Discovery Point is home to the RRS Discovery, along with over 12 interactive galleries showcasing 100+ Polar objects and the Discovery Dome; with British artist Luke Jerram’s ‘Gaia’ installation. Click here to visit the Dundee Heritage Trust website>>