Magnificent Voyagers: The U.S. Exploring Expedition 1838-1842 (Wilkes Expedition)

This daring, four-year voyage to South America, Pacific Islands, Antarctica, Australia, a national achievement comparable to the landing of man on the moon, established the United States as a naval and scientific power with world interests. The 1,400 objects on view make this the largest special exhibition ever organized by MNH. Included are fossils, minerals, plants, maps, masks, carved wooden figures, baskets, paintings, drawings, and vividly colored scientific illustrations. Also on view is a re-creation of a stateroom on the Vincennes.

Collaborating in planning the show were several SI bureaus, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. The majority of objects are from SI collections; the expedition provided the SI with its first major collections.

This exhibition marks NMNH's Diamond Jubilee Year.

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