(Re)Discovering the “New World”: A Conversation with the Collector

The Bruce Museum will host Jack A. Somer on Sunday, March 1, at 2:00 pm. Somer will discuss the antique maps and sea charts from his private collection that are currently on view at the Museum in (Re)Discovering the “New World”: Maps and Sea Charts from the Age of Exploration.

The select maps, all original works published between 1511 and 1757, highlight the discovery and early exploration of the Americas.

Somer’s talk will provide an in-depth look at these antique maps, which present a fascinating study in geographic and human progress, and is a rare opportunity to hear from the collector himself.

“These maps represent Renaissance-period attempts by European ateliers to edify their clientele by revealing our ‘new’ hemisphere and its approaches, as discoveries and claims came ashore from those daring enough to pack their sea bags and head for the unknown,” Somer said in a release.

Somer is a long-time professional sailor who turned his fascination for the sea into a career as a marine writer. Former editor-in-chief of Yachting magazine, he is currently working on his twelfth book about large yachts, large ships, and maritime history.

Somer previously shared his extensive map collection with the Bruce Museum in exhibitions in 2010 and 2000. The current exhibition runs through May 31, 2015.

(Re)Discovering the “New World”: A Conversation with the Collector is free with Bruce Museum admission and is held in the Bantle Lecture Gallery. Reservations are suggested by emailing the Museum at [email protected].

The Bruce Museum is a museum of art and science and is located at One Museum Drive in Greenwich.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children less than five years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the Bruce Museum website.