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Devilfish on the Doorstep: The Island of N.L.’s Remarkable History with the Giant Squid

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7-8:30 p.m.

Johnson Geo Centre, Signal Hill

The world did not truly believe in giant squid until the 1870s, a charmed decade that brought record numbers of the mysterious creatures to the waters and beaches around the island of Newfoundland. Photographs that appeared in international newspapers and physical specimens sent to Ivy League laboratories accomplished what eye-witness accounts had been attempting for centuries: to prove beyond doubt that giant squid are real.

Thrilling tales and images of the Newfoundland “devilfish” spread around the globe and helped to shape the animal’s public image as a delightfully terrifying enigma suspended at the boundary of fable and fact.

In an illustrated talk, Jenny Higgins will take us through that history. She will also touch upon the sea monsters associated with the giant squid, including the kraken, sea serpent, and a giant lobster named Polypus.

Jenny Higgins is the author of Devilfish: When Giant Squid Ruled the Northern Sea. Her book will be available for purchase at this event, and she will be available for book signing.

 

Admission by donation.

Presented by Johnson Geo Centre

Event Listing 2024-09-17 19:00:00 2024-09-17 20:30:00 America/St_Johns Devilfish on the Doorstep: The Island of N.L.’s Remarkable History with the Giant Squid The world did not truly believe in giant squid until the 1870s, a charmed decade that brought record numbers of the mysterious creatures to the waters and beaches around the island of Newfoundland. Photographs that appeared in international newspapers and physical specimens sent to Ivy League laboratories accomplished what eye-witness accounts had been attempting for centuries: to prove beyond doubt that giant squid are real. Thrilling tales and images of the Newfoundland “devilfish” spread around the globe and helped to shape the animal’s public image as a delightfully terrifying enigma suspended at the boundary of fable and fact. In an illustrated talk, Jenny Higgins will take us through that history. She will also touch upon the sea monsters associated with the giant squid, including the kraken, sea serpent, and a giant lobster named Polypus. Jenny Higgins is the author of Devilfish: When Giant Squid Ruled the Northern Sea. Her book will be available for purchase at this event, and she will be available for book signing.   Admission by donation. Johnson Geo Centre, Signal Hill Johnson Geo Centre