Sir Edmund Hillary to Speak in November

    Meet the first person to reach the peak of Mt. Everest! Sir Edmund Hillary, who reached the peak in 1953 with fellow climber Tenzing Norgay, will give a lecture Tuesday, November 10,in the Byham Theater in downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets will only be sold in advance. Call 237-3400 for more information.

Born in New Zealand in 1919, Sir Edmund is an adventurer and humanitarian. Besides conquering Everest, his other accomplishments include leading the first vehicle party overland to the South Pole, and traversing raging Himalayan rivers—including the Ganges—and bridging 10 rivers in the most primitive working conditions.

 Sir Edmund has also spent decades helping people less fortunate than himself. He has explored many unmapped regions of Nepal, established hygienic water systems in remote villages, and with the help of untrained Nepalese built schools, airfields, hospitals and clinics. In 1961 the New Zealand Himalayan Trust began providing materials for Sir Edmund's humanitarian efforts, and in 1974 the Canadian Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation was established to help fund various projects.

 The author of 10 books, Sir Edmund holds five honorary degrees and numerous awards, and in 1995 received the Order of the Garter—the most prestigious of all knighthoods—from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He served as High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh, and Ambassador to Nepal, for his native New Zealand. Far from retired, Sir Edmund writes and lectures, produces adventure films, and stays involved in International Aid projects. He also continues building schools, bridges and hospitals in the Himalayas, and spends several months each year raising money for these projects in Canada, New Zealand, Europe and the U.S.

Member Tip:

Everest has become the most popular of Omnimax films at Carnegie Science Center,  so bes ure to put it on your calendar if you haven't yet seen it.  Shows have been selling out,  so it's recommended that filmgoers call ahead to reserve tickets,  at 237-4000.  Everest plays at the Rangos Omnimax Theater through December 10.