The Endurance22 expedition will receive Reach the World’s 2022 Cronkite Award for Excellence in Storytelling at the Annual Benefit in New York City on July 20, 2022.
Picture: Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust and James Blake
The Endurance22 expedition, an initiative of the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, enabled tens of thousands of students around the globe to participate in the historic discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lost ship, Endurance.
A global team of explorers boarded South Africa’s icebreaker ship, SA Agulhas II, in February 2022 in what was called ‘the greatest wreck hunt of all time’.
They travelled to Antarctica’s Weddell Sea to locate, survey and film the shipwreck. They engaged students every step of the way through Reach the World’s virtual exchange programme.
The expedition’s commitment to storytelling and education made it possible for a new generation of students, including those in communities that may experience isolation or exclusion, to connect with Ernest Shackleton’s legacy of leadership, draw inspiration from world-class explorers and experience the Antarctic environment.
‘From the day I founded Reach the World almost 25 years ago, it has been my mission to include all youth in the exciting, empowering narratives of explorers,’ Reach the World’s Executive Director Heather Halstead said before praising the expedition.
Picture: Heritage Trust and James Blake
‘Walter Cronkite, a member of our founding Board, cared very deeply about this mission. No one would be more excited than Mr Cronkite to honour the Endurance22 expedition this year. Their commitment to storytelling guided every aspect of the expedition, leading not only to a truly historic discovery but also to a spirit of inclusion that is unparalleled in the history of exploration,’ Halstead added.
The expedition also embraced new forms of storytelling to reach audiences of all ages across the globe. Working with expedition media partners Little Dot Studios, History Hit and Consequential, the unfolding story of the expedition was shared in real-time via TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and podcast ‘Dan Snow’s History Hit,’ engaging millions of people.
The media team also filmed for a long-form documentary, which will air on National Geographic and Disney+.
Donald Lamont, Chairman of the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, will accept the award on behalf of the Endurance22 expedition team during the event.
‘I am both flattered and humbled by this nomination. And I am particularly delighted that it embraces those who played such important roles onboard S A Agulhas II, including her Master and crew. I thank Reach the World and the members of its Board for this recognition of what we have achieved in a true spirit of cooperation,’ Halstead said.
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