On Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2016, the world’s largest viking ship built in modern times, Draken Harald Hårfagre, cruised past Troy, N.Y. The vessel left its home port of Haugesund, Norway in April to set sail across the North Atlantic Ocean. The mission of this expedition was “to explore and relive one of the most mythological sea voyages – the first transatlantic crossing, and the Viking discovery of the New World, more than a thousand years ago.” The ship arrived in Troy, by way of the Erie Canal / New York State Canal System.
Just as Leif Eriksson explored North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus, the crew of the Draken are exploring the world and creating intercultural meetings today. Along the route, the ship passed Viking settlements and new archaeological findings. You can read more about this expedition here: drakenexpeditionamerica.com
VIKINGS… IN TROY, NY????
Though it has yet to be proven with any historical or archaeological certainty, there are some who believe that Vikings, led by Thorfinn Karlsefni, camped out for one year near what is present-day Troy, N.Y. around the year 1010. Legend has it, they were attempting to re-trace Eriksson’s journey to “Vinland.”
Two modern-day red haired Trojans of questionable Viking descent, Anasha Cummings and Duncan Crary, attempted to board the Draken en route to southern seas as she passed the Troy Downtown Marina yesterday. This film documents their story, followed by a behind-the-scenes “making of” segment filmed at Troy Cultural Alliance member organization, Tech Valley Center of Gravity.
Viking I – Duncan Crary
Viking II – Anasha Cummings
Laser Viking – Yamar Carter
Maker Viking – Adam Siemiginowski
Music Viking – Laszlo Harsanyi
Camera Viking – Kurt Przybilla
Bridge Camera Viking – Lizzie Young
Chain mail suit by Blaise Hartley
Disclaimers: Some kitchen supplies were harmed during the making of this film. And yes, Anasha & Duncan know that their ancestors did not wear horns or life preservers.
Note: The “ahoy troy.” shirt featuring in this film is produced by Enjoy Troy Co. and is available at the Dockmaster’s hut at the Troy Downtown Marina or at Artcentric, located at 266 River St. in downtown Troy.
Watch and share this video on Facebook: http://facebook.com/troyculturalalliance/videos/1607146486253014/
#MadeAtTheCoG #enjoytroy #ahoytroy