The story of James Cook is that of a simple farmer’s son who took to the sea, rose through the ranks of a civilian shipping company and was offered command of his own vessel, only to choose enlistment as an ordinary seaman in Britain’s Royal Navy, sailing off to danger and glory in North America’s French and Indian War.
The story of James Cook is that of a simple farmer’s son who took to the sea, rose through the ranks of a civilian shipping company and was offered command of his own vessel, only to choose enlistment as an ordinary seaman in Britain’s Royal Navy, sailing off to danger and glory in North America’s French and Indian War.
Thus began the career of a man who would come to be known as the greatest explorer of his time, an expert on the Pacific Ocean who sailed its length and breadth not once but three times, the first European to have contact with the eastern coast of Australia and with the “Sandwich Islands,” where his extraordinary life came to a violent end in 1779.
Cook’s legacy includes many contributions to the fields of navigation, surveying, cartography and scientific observation.
Why was Cook killed?
Find out Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Lyman Museum, when local historian Boyd Bond takes the audience on a special “voyage of discovery.” Admission is $3 or free for museum members. Seating is limited to 65 persons on a first-come, first-seated basis. Additional parking available at Hilo Union School.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum, at 276 Haili St. in Hilo, is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
For additional information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.