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Miniature National Geographic Society flag carried by Jim Whittaker on his summit of Mr. Everest, May 1, 1963
James W. (Jim) Whittaker (1929-1926) was the first American to summit Mount Everest on May 1, 1963, as part of the American Mount Everest Expedition led by Norman Dyhrenfurth, alongside the Sherpa Nawang Gombu (a nephew of Tenzing Norgay). Whittaker graduated from West Seattle High School and Seattle University, and became the first full-time employee of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) in 1955. He was also the company's CEO in the 1960s. The National Geographic Society sponsored this historic climb and Whittaker carried the organization's flag, along with a miniature American flag, to the summit.
ID Number: 2022.15.5
Date: Circa 1960
Physical Description: 1 Flag, Promotional; cotton, brass; 7.75 in.H x 12.5 in.W
Credit: MOHAI, 2022.15.5