“The Wreck of the Marco Polo” Virtual Reality Experience launches July 27

The L.M. Montgomery Institute and the University of Prince Edward Island are launching an exhibit that marries technology and history in an exciting and dynamic way. “The Wreck of the Marco Polo” Virtual Reality Experience launches Thursday, July 27 from 4-6 pm in UPEI’s Robertson Library.

The virtual reality experience is a five-minute adventure where participants are transported back in time, through special reality headsets, to the July 1883 wreck of the Marco Polo as witnessed by eight-year-old Lucy Maud Montgomery. Participants will hear Montgomery’s words, which were chronicled eight years later in her essay, “The Wreck of the Marco Polo”, describing how the ship came within 300 metres of the Cavendish shoreline and ran aground off PEI’s north shore.

The launch includes a reception with guest speakers, including Dr. Betsy Epperly, past-president of UPEI and the founder of the L.M. Montgomery Institute.

“The Wreck of the Marco Polo” Virtual Reality Experience will be available for public viewing in the Robertson Library on July 27, noon–8:00 pm; July 28, 8:00 am–5:00 pm, and July 29, noon–5:00 pm.

This is a UPEI Reunion Weekend Event. For the full schedule of events, visit upei.ca/reunionweekend

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.