Mallory & Irvine Artifacts Exhibition Extended
Friday, Feb. 18, 2000

	George Mallory

The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, Washington, has extended its exhibit of the artifacts of legendary Everest climber George Mallory, which were discovered in May 1999. The exhibit, originally scheduled to close January 30, 2000 has been extended through March 26. This display at the Washington State History Museum is the final venue in the country to exhibit the Mallory artifacts before they are delivered to the Royal Geographical Society in London. (The National Geographic Society in Washington DC displayed the artifacts earlier this fall.)

Eric Simonson, leader of the Mallory & Irvine Research Expedition, reported live via MountainZone.com the discovery of Mallory's body, personal effects and climbing gear this past May. "Our expedition was formed to pay homage to these great British climbers,” Simonson said. "I am humbled and honored to be able to lead this expedition and the climbers on this team who are responsible for this discovery.”

Representing one of the most significant finds of the century, the artifacts share new details about the final days of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine on Mount Everest in June 1924: a pair of goggles in Mallory’s pocket suggests that the fatal fall happened at dusk or later; the cord found around Mallory’s body proves that Mallory and Irvine had been roped together when the fall occurred; and calculations written in the margins of personal correspondence show that the team had two more oxygen bottles than originally thought, proving they had enough to make it to the top of the mountain.

The Washington State History Museum is located at 1911 Pacific Avenue, just off of Interstate 5 in Tacoma. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM, and every Thursday from 5 to 8 PM with free admission. For more information, please call 1/888-BE-THERE (238-4373).

— Peter Potterfield, Editor & Publisher, MountainZone.com Staff