July 28, 2023
 

Art Mortvedt To Discuss Polar Expeditions at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

BISMARCK, N.D. – The public is invited to a free presentation, “Polar Flight 90: ‘The Polar Pumpkin’ Cessna 185 Flights to the South and North Poles,” by Alaska pilot Art Mortvedt on Monday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m. at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, Bismarck. The North Dakota native has been involved with polar expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica for 25 years.

“The Polar Pumpkin” Cessna 185 is the only single engine aircraft of its type to have been flown solo to both poles by the same pilot. Mortvedt landed at the South Pole and on a piece of drifting sea ice approximately 20 miles from the North Pole. The aircraft is now on educational display at the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot.

While on the polar expeditions, Mortvedt conducted scientific experiments for institutions including NASA and the University of Innsbruck. In 2009, he received the Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award, recognizing him for excellence in exploration. Mortvedt will discuss his adventures and the scientific findings he helped reveal.

For more information, contact Laura Forde at 701.328.2792. The ND Heritage Center & State Museum is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Find upcoming State Historical Society events at history.nd.gov/events.

-30-

CONTACT
Laura Forde at 701.328.2792

See More News Releases