World record-holding mountain climber Vern Tejas will give a presentation at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville on Thursday, March 13, at 1 p.m. The event, hosted by the Frederick Cook Society, is free and open to the public.
Tejas is known for his groundbreaking achievements in mountaineering, including the first solo winter ascent of Mt. Denali, the first solo of Mt. Vinson (Antarctica’s highest), and the first winter ascent of Mt. Logan (Canada’s highest). He also led the first ascent of Mt. Vaughan in remote Antarctica with Col. Norman Vaughan.
The presentation coincides with a recent discovery made by a Frederick Cook Society volunteer. While organizing the Cook Gallery, the volunteer found an envelope containing two rocks from the summit of Mount Denali, along with a note explaining that Tejas collected the rocks to verify Frederick Cook’s description of the summit.
Frederick Cook, a Sullivan County native, explored Greenland, Alaska, and both ends of the earth. His claims have been challenged over the years, but the Cook Society, located in Hurleyville, continues to defend his honor.
Carol Smith, Executive Director of the Cook Society, emphasized the significance of Cook’s story, stating, “Cook’s story, his persecution and subsequent redemption presents one of the most profound examples of how the media can manipulate public perception. It also speaks to the ways in which jealousy can corrupt power and foster hatred.”
Tejas, who also holds the world record for the fastest time to summit all seven summits consecutively, was named one of the top 50 Alaskan athletes of the twentieth century by Sports Illustrated in 2002.
The Sullivan County Museum is located at 265 Main Street, Hurleyville. Doors open at noon, and refreshments will be available. Donations are welcome.