7:00 pm
Join milkman, turned diver and adventurer, Wayne Mushrow, as he recounts the remarkable circumstances surrounding his amazing discovery of not one, but two rare ancient astrolabes near the Isle aux Mort (Port aux Basque), Newfoundland in the early 1980’s! This “lightning strikes twice tale” is sure to entertain as it involves several jigs and jags, government intrigue, an amazing second revelation; and, complete with a good ol' fashion Newfie stand-off!
On November 26, 1981, Wayne Mushrow discovered a very rare and working Portuguese mariner's astrolabe on a shipwreck just off the coast of Isle aux Morts. The year "1628" and "Y. Dyas" are stamped on the astrolabe, indicating that it was likely made by known astrolabe maker, Joas Dyas.
This astrolabe (which was more than 350 years old when found) was a discovery of great historical importance. It was the only one of its kind ever found in Canada, and one of only four of its kind found in the world. It is called the "Mushrow Astrolade I" in Wayne’s honour.
In 1983, at the same site, Wayne found a French mariner's astrolabe stamped with the year "1617" and the name "Adrian Holland". It is unknown whether he was the maker or owner. "Mushrow Astrolabe II", is truly unique. The only other similar astrolabe - "The Caudebec Astrolabe " - dated 1632, was destroyed in 1940 by the German bombing of Cauldebec -en- Caux, France. Wayne’s is now the only one of this type in the world. It is the latest known ‘wedge’ shape astrolabe. The wreck at Isle aux Mort, where it was discovered is the first seventeenth century ocean going ship found in North America!
The Mushrow Astrolabes are the centerpiece of The Gulf Museum in Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland. These rare and significant finds are on display during the summer months and on display at the Rooms, St. John’s from September to June. They are both in mint condition and in working order. A very rare and valuable find for Newfoundland and all of Canada and for a short time they (or the replicas) will be available for viewing at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic as a special exhibit in conjunction with Wayne’s presentation.
Wayne Mushrow has lived in Upper Sackville, Nova Scotia for the last thirteen years having moved from Port aux Basque to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. He was a milkman for 25 years when he decided to buy some scuba gear and taught himself to dive. Eventually he had enough gear and nerve to face the open sea. In no time, he was hired by the RCMP to find drowning victims and lost ships all along the South West coast of Newfoundland. Wayne led a fascinating life as a diver/adventurer for the next 20 years and has the stories and artifacts to prove it!
The Urban Dictionary defines the expression, “When the Stars Align” to be “when an unexpected and nearly impossible event takes place. Usually due to pure luck or the divine intervention of God.” Wayne story certainly fits this definition and then some! Wayne now enjoy his time in his workshop producing for sale oak replicas of the Mushrow Astrolabes. He is presently working on a book about his amazing finds titled: “When the Stars Align – Wayne Mushrow’s Amazing Astrolabe Adventures”
More of his amazing story can be found on his web site: http://www.mushrowastrolabe.net/index.html ; but, to hear his tale first hand is a special Maritime treat. Let’s hope the stars align and you can join us for this rare opportunity!
For additional information:
Richard MacMichael
902-424-8897
macmicrs@gov.ns.ca