NMMC At Home: Wilkes Exhibition

Download The History, Natural Science and Legacy of the Wilkes Expedition Package!

In 1838, the United States Congress sent Lt. Charles Wilkes and a crew of sailors, Marines, and scientists on a four year voyage into the last great frontier, the Pacific. These men discovered and collected thousands of plant and animal species unknown to the Western world, mapped and surveyed thousands of miles of coastline (including Antarctica), and interacted with and studied the peoples of the islands of the Pacific, and northwestern North America.

This program follows the voyage, which is known as The United States Exploring Expedition, the U.S. Ex Ex, or simply the Wilkes Expedition.

Please join us as we look closer at this extraordinary mission of discovery!

Age Range: This program is designed to have materials for students in Pre School (Pre-K) through High School. It is divided into four categories: Pre-K, K-2nd Grade, 3rd-8th Grade, and High School. These are only guidelines, we suggest that you look at all of the materials and decide which isbest suited for your student(s). Students in grades 3 and up should be able to complete these activities independently. Younger learners will hopefully enjoy them as well they just may need a little bit of additional help!

More details:

• Click on the graphic and download the Wilkes Expedition package.
• Each link in the package takes you to a PDF which will give you further background information, materials, and instructions.
• Need help?  Email us at [email protected].

Page Photo: View From the Pass to the Upper Town, Somu-Somu (Somo-Somo )Painting, Watercolor on Paper; by Alfred T. Agate; C. 1840; Dimensions Unknown