HMS Fantome Evening Talk Series

On Nov. 24, 1814, the British warship HMS Fantome sank in the shoals near Prospect. The crew miraculously survived the icy waters, but the shoreline marked the end of the vessel's career.

Since its sinking, the Fantome has remained a constant source of controversy and mystery. Some believe it was returning from the 1814 raid on Washington and may contain precious china and silver from the White House. Others argue that is not the case.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will host a three-part talk series to let Nova Scotians hear the evidence and judge for themselves.

The first presentation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Julian Gwyn, naval historian and author, will speak about the strategic background of HMS Fantome.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, George F. Young, a history professor at Saint Mary's University, will give a presentation about his research of the surviving logbooks, including the crew's fight for survival on the ship's last voyage.

The final presentation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Capt. Robert MacKinnon will present the findings of his team of divers and researchers who have been searching Fantome's wreck site.

All presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free of charge. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located at 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax.