All Things Polar Places: polar huts, homes, and museums the world over

Detailed below are myriad polar related locations to visit around the world.  Each venue has a short description, its location, and a link to either that place’s primary site or another informational link.  Before making plans to visit any of the below locations, make sure to check their web site and visitation details.

  • Antarctic

    • The Huts-multiple huts situated on the Antarctic peninsula are relics from a number of famous expeditions. Some are available to visit though they are in various states of disrepair/restoration. Most are located on Ross Island, part of the Ross dependency, a claim of New Zealand.

      • Cape Adare-Borchgrevink’s Hut: this hut has the distinction of being the only first structure of a continent, any continent, that is still standing. Reaching back to the “Southern Cross” expedition of 1898, the hut was used by the team to “over winter” on the continent. The crew of that expedition were the first to do so. For more information, check out the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust who maintains the hut: Cape Adare

      • Hut point, Ross Island-Scott’s Hut: Robert Scott constructed this hut during his first expedition south: the National Antarctic Expedition, otherwise known as the Discovery expedition, 1901-1904. Shackleton was the first to take aerial photos of the continent while in a balloon during the expedition. It was the beginning of a rivalry between the two greats: Scott and Shackleton. For more information, check out the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust who maintains the hut: Hut point

      • Cape Royds-Ernest Shackleton’s Hut, as part of the British Antarctic Expedition, better known as the Nimrod expedition. Shackleton reached a “furthest south” on this expedition, a mere 97 nautical miles from the geographic pole. He was also the first to climb Mt. Erebus on Ross Island. For more information, check out the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust who maintains the hut: Cape Royds.

      • Cape Evans-Captain Robert Scott’s home base hut for his ill-fated British Antarctic Terra Nova Expedition, 1911-1913, during which he and four companions perished. Scott, Bowers, and Wilson were a mere 11 miles from one-ton depot upon their return from the pole when they died; had they reached the depot, it is likely that the three would have survived. For more information, check out the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust who maintains the hut: Cape Evans.

      • Hut Point, Ross Island-Hillary’s hut at Scott Base was constructed in 1956-57 as part of the International Geophysical Year event, for Sir Edmund Hillary’s team, who overwintered to lay supplies for the Commonwealth Trans Antarctic Expedition (TAE). For more information, check out the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust who maintains the hut: Scott Base

      • Cape Bird, Ross Island-Cape Bird hut, so named after James Ross’ second in command during his Erebus voyage of 1841, Lt. Edward Bird. This small hut on remote Cape Bird at the northern tip of Ross Island was built in the 1960s as a research station, supported by the NZ Scott Base. It’s original name was Harrison Laboratory. It was rebuilt in 1991 and accommodates six. Check out: Cape Bird.

      • Laurie Island, South Orkney-Scotia Bay hut, named after William Speirs Bruce’s ship Scotia. Bruce was forced to over winter in the S. Orkneys during his Scottish National Expedition. He surveyed Laurie island in 1903. Though it is out of the way, the Omond hut represented the first meteorological station established in the Antarctic. It is still active today, having been folded into an Argentine Navy base on the island. Of note, the first post office in the Antarctic was established by Argentina as well, at Scotia Bay. Check out: Laurie Island.

    • South Georgia Museum-this little museum located in Grytviken, opened in 1992, used to be the whaling station’s manager’s house. Though it started out specifically as a whaling museum, it was converted to a general regional museum and now contains exhibits on Shackleton, mountaineering, sealing., and more. Thankfully, land based whaling on South
      Georgia ceased in 1965. An interesting historical timeline of South Georgia can be found at South Georgia Historical Timeline. Of course, South George is also famous for being the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton; he is buried at Grytviken Cemetery, part of the Lutheran church erected by Larson. A bust of Larson resides in the church, which was renovated several years ago. There is also a tribute to Shackleton located across King Edward Cove, the Hope Point Shackleton Memorial, erected by the crew of the Quest following his death.

    • Livingston Island Museum-this tiny museum is located at Lame Dog hut on the Bulgarian base at Livingston Island, part of the South Shetlands.

    • Falklands Islands Museum-this eclectic museum found at the historic dockyard in Stanley celebrates all aspects of the Falkland Islands, from natural history to culture and the war of 1982. However, they also have a portion of the museum dedicated to their Antarctic heritage and the English connection between the Falklands and points south.

    • For a full list and numerous photos of historical places and monuments in Antarctica you can check out: Antarctica Sites and Monuments. on Wikipedia. These are protected under the Antarctic Treaty System, effective 1961, penned with 12 signatures in 1959. Learn how the Antarctica is governed and regulated by visiting their web site: Antarctic Treaty System.

    • Antarctic research stations-Wikipedia’s full list of current research stations operating in the Antarctic, in case you want to add them all to your bucket list.

  • Arctic

    • North Pole Expedition Museum-technically part of Norway, but listed under “Arctic” as it lies north of the Arctic Circle, this small museum is located in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Its exhibits, no surprise from the name, showcase expeditions to the North pole by various means, though the museum leans towards airship history. Across the street is a more general museum, the Svalbard Museum. It covers Svalbard history and culture, as well as science and nature more generally. Chances are, if you are in Svalbard it is not because you are museum hopping; nonetheless, if you have some downtime check out these two venues.

  • Argentina

    • Maritime Museum of Ushuaia-this gateway embarkation city, from which virtually all Antarctic expeditions originating from the western hemisphere depart, has a small maritime museum housed in an old prison dating back to 1902. The museum houses a large number of historic ship models. One part of the museum is an Antarctic gallery with multiple artifacts. Of note, their web site is in Spanish primarily. Also, check out several sculptures in the city.

  • Australia-often thought of as the last stopping off point before continuing on to the Antarctic, several British explorers were attracted to Australia in their latter years

    • Australia National Maritime Museum, Sydney-this museum hosts a treasure trove of maritime artefacts and stories. Perhaps most notable is its replica of the HM Bark Endeavour, James Cook’s ship used for the first of his three pacific expeditions in 1766 (though it was his second voyage aboard HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure that holds Antarctic significance: the first to cross the Antarctic circle). The museum has a number of Antarctica related items such as postcards, posters, and books in its collection. Their collection is online and searchable. Visit their Antarctic exhibit at: ANMM-Antarctic.

    • Australia Museum, Sydney-while a museum with broad ranging collections, they have a few items in their collection about Sir Douglas Mawson, of Australasian Antarctic Expedition fame, 1911. The museum also holds the James Cook Collection of artefacts from his explorations, primarily items from the Pacific. Finally, an important story of friendship: Until 2011, the museum had in its possession a samurai sword presented to Edgeworth David by Nubo Shirase the Japanese explorer. Shirase gave David his 17th century sword as a token of friendship in 1911 when the former came to the aid of the latter when Shirase was forced to overwinter in Sydney. In 2011 the sword returned home to the Shirase Antarctica Expedition Memorial Museum. The Australia Museum’s collection is online and searchable.

    • State Library of South Australia Adelaide-this library also has a small collection of materials relating to Sir Douglas Mawson.

    • Maritime Museum of Tasmania, Hobart-a small general maritime museum with outsized importance due to its location. Several polar explorations used Tasmania as a last stopping point before heading south. Their collection is online and searchable. Visit their Antarctic items at: MMT-Antarctic. If you visit Hobart, don’t forget to visit Franklin Square, in which you will find a statue of Sir John Franklin. Sir John likely would have preferred to forget that he was sent down under by England to be the governor of the penal colony, 1837-1843, but his association will live on forever.

  • Belgium-this country has long had a small, but consistent hand in Antarctic exploration

    • National Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History-located in Brussels this is a general military history museum. However, there is a permanent “Antarctica” gallery that starts with the Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897 and has displays of more recent Belgian involvement in polar endeavors as well. Of note, this was Roald Amundsen’s first expedition to Antarctica, during which he assumed command from the infirmed expedition leader, Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery. Check out the Antarctica gallery at: NMAFH-Antarctic. Better yet, take a trip to Brussels and see a model of the ship Belgica in person.

  • Canada-no surprise that Canada has a rich history of exploration, initially as part of the British Empire. The Canadian Expedition, 1913-1916, though controversial because of the loss of its flagship and the death of half its crew, is nonetheless credited with discovering five new islands: Lougheed, Borden, Mackenzie King, Meighen and Brock. In fact, the last islands were not added to the map of the Canadian Archipelago until 1948, having been discovered by air. These included Prince Charles, Foley, and Air Force Island. Now, Canada has been showcased due to its outstanding, spectacular discoveries of Franklin’s Lost Expedition ships, Erebus and Terror, in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

    • Canadian Museum of Nature-located in Ottawa, this general science/nature museum has a treasure trove of information and a permanent Arctic Gallery. This includes displays on the Inuit people of the Western Arctic: the Inuvialuit exhibition.

    • Canadian Museum of History, found in Gatineau, Quebec (next to Ottawa)-Check out their Wonders of the Arctic and First People Hall.

    • Canadian Maritime Museums-located throughout Canada, there are maritime museums galore from east to west. While many of these have little to do with polar exploration, this represents a comprehensive list of what’s available to visit if it’s the maritime side of things in which you are most interested. Originally compiled by Robert Smith, I am not certain how up to date the list is. Go to each museum’s web site to investigate current status. Of note, check out, the Franklin Exploration at the Museum of the Atlantic, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

    • McMichael Art Museum-located in Kleinburg, Ontario, just outside of Toronto. Don’t miss the Inuit and First Nations exhibits. They also connect to an online collection from the West Baffin Eskimo Collective: Iningat Ilagiit.

    • Nattilik (Netsilik) Heritage Centre-located in remote Gjoa Haven, on King William Island, this small cultural centre tells the story of the Inuit’s contribution to discovering the truth and location regarding the lost Franklin Expedition. As the name implies, this harbor is also where the Gjøa, of Roald Amundsen fame, over wintered twice during his discovery of the Northwest Passage in his 1903 expedition. A plaque and cairn commemorates his presence.

    • Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre-found in Yellowknife NWT, this eclectic museum centers its collections around “all things Northwest Territories”. Though not polar themed, it often features exhibits on first nation peoples, their cultures, and their crafts.

  • England-few countries, arguably Norway and the United States excepted, sponsored as much polar exploration as England. No other country’s polar explorations spanned the decades as did England’s. Today, England is involved in many areas of polar exploration. Past and present endeavors can be found at many locations, starting with one of my favorites.

    • Dulwich College-located in London, this prep school for boys houses a true historic treasure: The James Caird. You might wonder why this little boat is memorialized at Dulwich college? The answer of course is that Sir Ernest Shackleton was an alum of Dulwich, known as an Old Alleynian. The James Caird was the tiny 23 foot whaler that was sailed as part of the “escape armada” after Endurance was swallowed by ice, journeying first to Elephant Island. Then, Shackleton and four others sailed the James Caird, skippered by Frank Worsley, some 800 miles to South Georgia, before crossing overland and reaching safety at the whaling station at Grytviken. How the Caird, Shackleton, and Worsley managed to “hit” South Georgia, having minimal clear days on which to take sightings is a story in itself, bordering on a miracle. Shackleton’s “double”, starting with the Caird’s journey, will live on as one of the most daring rescue missions of all time. Tour Dulwich by signing up for a tour, currently on Friday’s at 1130. The tour takes about an hour, and, depending on who is giving the tour that day, shows off a few other items of interest besides just the boat. Reach out to the college to arrange at enquiries@dulwich.org.uk. The college is an easy five minute walk from the West Dulwich train station, or by car from London.

    • Cheltenham College-located in Cheltenham, in the Cotswolds (worth a visit regardless of ATP), this prep school was attended by Dr. Edward Wilson, Scott’s “right hand” man during the Terra Nova expedition. Wilson attended 1886-1891. The chapel can be visited by appointment only, but the archivist is happy to give tours. Reach out at info@cheltenhamcollege.org, asking that your email be forwarded to the current archivist. Of note, in the archives are multiple other goodies, including material from Amundsen’s tent, given to Wilson’s widow. The college also has many original Wilson’s water colors. Finally, there are a couple of other “hidden” Wilson items around campus which the archivist may show you if time allows.

    • National Maritime Museum-an easy train ride from London, Greenwich is the center of all things maritime. The epicenter is paired with the Royal Observatory and its associated prime meridian, the basis for east-west navigation. The museum’s Exploration and Endeavour page displays information about their collections on Sir John Franklin, The Northwest Passage, Captain James Cook, other famous explorers (many of whom were polar), while their Polar Exploration exhibits showcase additional people, places, and polar ephemera. And since you’re there, check out the Victorian tea clipper, the Cutty Sark. Though not associated with polar exploration, never pass up a chance to explore an original vessel from the age of sail. Truly, this one museum will swallow you up for days. Also, the museum has a fantastic search engine with which to browse its voluminous collections online.

    • The Golden Hinde-a tough call whether to include this venue since the Hinde had little to do with polar exploration. Found at St. Mary Overie Dock on Cathedral St. in London, the keel for this replica was laid in September, 1971, at Hink’s shipyard in Appeldore, Devon. The HInde (the original), known as the Pelican before Drake changed its name after sailing through the Strait of Magellan, is a full sized replica, and a beauty at that. It set sail in October, 1974, and travelled the world until coming to rest in 2003 at St. Mary’s.

    • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard-located in historic Portsmouth on the southern coast, there is something at the Dockyards for everyone. Though Nelson’s warship HMS Victory may be the main draw, from a “polar perspective” you are sure to find items of interest in the National Museum of the Royal Navy, which ironically opened in 1911 as the “Dockyard Museum. This of course was the year that Captain Robert Scott of the Royal Navy headed towards his death at the South pole. And while Lord Nelson is not normally thought of as a polar explorer, in fact he participated in England’s first Arctic expedition, 1773, in search of the Northeast passage to India, aboard HMS Carcass as a coxswain. The ship made it within 10 degrees of the north pole before encountering ice and being forced to retreat. One of Nelson’s few defeats! Of note, the Dockyards has an online collection that is searchable, though I find it unwieldy.

    • Scott Polar Research Institute-housed within the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge, the institute serves as a center for polar related research. Areas include not only the expected geophysical and natural science disciplines, but cultural and sociological studies as well: https: areas of research. The institute houses the Polar Museum, displaying both permanent and temporary exhibits on a host of topics ranging from climate change to art. But perhaps the institute is best known for its research collections. As with the maritime museum, they offer an excellent online search engine.

    • Royal Geographic Society-founded in 1830 as a dining club and likely an “old boy’s club”, early on the RGS dabbled in the geographical sciences primarily in the polar regions, the Indian sub-continent, and Africa. Gaining stature in the 20th century, and merging with the Institute of British Geographers in 1995, the RGS-IBG is recognized as one of the premier geographical societies in the world. It has come a long way, now holding equality, diversity, and inclusion as core values. The RGS is primarily a research institution, though it can be visited at its location in Kensington. They fund numerous research and educational endeavors around the world, ranging from desk based to expeditions, and make available RGS’ vast collections spanning 500 years of geographical knowledge, for in person or online scholarly research. Exhibits at the RGS are variable, but for 10 pounds a day one can access their extensive library. It is closed 12-1:00 for lunch.

    • Wilson Art Museum-in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in the heart of the Cotswolds, is found the art of Cheltenham’s own Dr. Edward Wilson, famed explorer with both the Scott Discovery and Terra Nova expeditions. Though a medical doctor, Wilson served as the Discovery’s vertebrate zoologist and second medical officer; he was the Terra Nova’s lead scientist. Sadly, Wilson suffered terribly: first during his “winter journey” to collect Emperor penguin eggs, then by paying the ultimate price with Scott and colleagues upon their south polar return. However, his watercolors and drawings live on as part of the Wilson family collections at the museum. As of the moment, June 2022, the museum is closed for renovations. Check their website for status.

    • National Museum of Wales-this museum, actually multiple museums, is located primarily in Cardiff. Of polar note, it is the location from which Scott’s ill fated Terra Nova expedition sailed. It is fitting then that the museum has several photographs of the Terra Nova, as well as her figurehead and other ephemera. the vessel had a significant Arctic history before its engagement in 1911.

    • Captain Cook Birthplace Museum-this small museum located in Martin-in-Cleveland, Middlesbrough, celebrates this most famous British explorer in his home of origin. Cook, though better known for his famous voyages around the world, did achieve polar distinction on his second voyage. He was the the first to cross the Antarctic circle.

    • Westminster Abbey-worth the visit for multiple historic and religious reasons; within reside several polar related memorials: these are located in the chapel of St. Michael.

      • Memorial plaque to John Rae-finally receiving his due in England, this stone was laid on September 30, 2014; it was Rae’s 201st birthday. Made out of red Orkney sandstone, the inscription: 1813-1893, Arctic explorer. Ironically, Rae’s memorial plaque “lies at the feet” of Sir John Franklin’s memorial.

      • Bust of Sir John Franklin-this tribute stts in the chapel of St. Michael by Lady Franklin after its creation by John Noble, to honor her missing husband. It is made of white marble and sits within an alabaster alcove. Below is a ship trapped in ice. The primary inscription is simply “Franklin”. Multiple other inscriptions adorn the sides including a poem written by Lord Tennyson. The chapel is located to the left of the visitor’s entrance, which is from the rear side door.

      • Memorial plaque to Sir Leopold McClintock-this plaque also is given a location below the memorial to Sir John. It is an alabaster plaque, made by Messrs Farmer & Brindley. The inscription: Here also is commemorated Admiral Sir Leopold McClintock 1819-1907, discoverer of the fate of Franklin in 1859.

  • France-mounted a number of Antarctic expeditions, the first dating back to 1772; French explorers discovered and named a number of new areas. The botanist, Jules Dumont d'Urville, and doctor, Jean-Baptiste Charcot, are the names most associated with French Antarctic exploration. Of note to those of you in the medical profession: Charcot-Marie Tooth disease is named after Charcot’s father who was a neurologist. To the north, and post WWII, Paul-Émile Victor is known for his polar work in Greenland.

    • Paul Emile-Victor Polar Museum-located in Prémanon in the heart of the French Alps. Though a bit out of the way, the setting is spectacular. Quoting, “The personal archives of Paul-Emile Victor are exhibited alongside Inuit handcrafted objects (toys for children, kayak, pottery and masks), and other objects belonging to great explorers such as Jean-Baptiste Charcot”. Check it out next time you’re in the Jura for winter skiing or a summer hike..

    • Polar Institute of France-located just outside of Brest, the Polar Institute supports ongoing research in both in the Arctic and Antarctic, and two permanent stations in the Antarctic: Dumont-d'Urville and Concordia Station. It is not apparent on their web site that the institute offers tours to visitors. With the German AWI, below, they operate a station in northwestern Svalbard: Jean-Corbel Station.

    • St. Malo, France-in this birthplace of Jean-Baptiste Charcot, French explorer of both the Antarctic and Arctic regions, one can find two interesting pieces of art paying tribute to Charcot. Of course St. Malo, found on the coast just to the west of Mont Saint-Michel, is worth a visit no matter what the reason. See French monuments to Charcot.

  • Germany-while Germany does not have the same richness of polar exploration history as other countries, today its research endeavors are world class.

    • Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven in the north of Germany, this polar research institute is world renowned. Their ongoing research spans both poles and subpolar regions, and includes areas such as ocean acidification, sea ice, permafrost, marine litter, ice sheets, the North Sea, and the Arctic ocean, with a big emphasis on climate change. A large amount of information on all of these areas is available on their web site, in English, served up by Google translate. Their primary research ship, FS Polarstern, completed the MOSAIC expedition in the fall of 2020: MOSAIC-FS Polarstern. Per their site, they do offer limited, small group tours of the facility: AWI-tour, though they they state on their web site that tours are conducted in German only.

    • German Maritime Museum (DSM)- if you make it to Bremerhaven for the AWI, consider also visiting this German Maritime Museum. There you will find the sailing vessel Groenland: GMM-Groenland, a 72 foot sailing vessel, built and launched in Norway, but sailed by Germany with the intent of exploring Greenland. Failing to reach Greenland, and only obtaining Spitsbergen to a latitude of 81 degrees 4.5’ N, it was deemed too small for further exploration and was sold back to Norway. Today, the museum maintains the Groenland in a “sailing” status. You can also visit the boat’s own website, Groenland, though it is in German only.

    • International Maritime Museum of Hamburg-located in Hamburg, this is a general maritime museum. While not “polar related”, there are some fine exhibits worth checking out if you find yourself in Germany’s largest city to the north.

  • Holland-although Dutch explorations were far reaching throughout history, their polar explorations were notable to a lesser degree. That said, early polar explorations primarily to the north, but southerly as well, have some Dutch names attached. Wikipedia does a nice job summarizing all Dutch Explorations.

    • The National Maritime Museum-there are many reasons to visit Amsterdam, and this is but one of them. This general maritime museum has information spanning the centuries of Holland’s maritime explorations. In addition to historical information they have an exhibit on the Arctic and climate change: Scramble for the Arctic.

  • Iceland-besides Iceland’s obvious Nordic heritage, another explorer was fond of this island: Jean-Baptiste Charcot. He captained France’s second and third Antarctic expeditions, then spent several years exploring areas to the north and west of Norway, including Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

    • Sudurnes Science and Learning Center-found in the small town of Sandgerði just north of Keflavik International Airport is this small learning center, part of the University of Iceland’s Research Centre. Within is a permanent exhibition “Attraction of the Poles” about Charcot, including a partial reconstruction of Charcot’s ship which ship-wrecked off the coast in 1936. Don’t forget to check out other Icelandic monuments to Charcot.

    • Borgarfjörður Museum-located in Borgarnes, this small museum has a small display commemorating Commander Jean Baptiste Charcot and the crew of his ship Pourquois-Pas?, which shipwrecked off the coast in 1936.

  • Ireland-not normally associated with polar exploration, but the reality is that many well known and lesser known explorers hail from the Emerald Isle. You may have heard of Shackleton, from County Kildare, but their other star was “The Irish Giant”, who only recently has got his due: Tom Crean, from County Kerry.

    • South Pole Inn, Annascaul-next time you’re in Ireland, taking a day tour of the beautiful Dingle peninsula, be sure to stop for a pint at this charming pub. Newspaper clippings, photos, and letters adorn its walls, all a tribute to Tom Crean’s three voyages with Scott and Shackleton. One of the famous five who accompanied Shackleton on his “double” rescue mission.

    • Athy Heritage Centre-Shackleton Museum-this small museum located in Athy, County Kildare is near Shackleton’s birthplace of Kilkea, roughly 10 minutes away. The majority of the museum is dedicated to local history, however from their web site: “Athy Heritage Centre-Museum has the only permanent exhibition anywhere devoted to Shackleton. Highlights include an original sledge and harness from his Antarctic expeditions, a 15-foot model of Shackleton’s ship Endurance, an exhibition of unique Shackleton family photographs and an audio visual display featuring Frank Hurley’s original film footage of the Endurance expedition. The Shackleton Autumn School was established to commemorate the explorer in the county of his birth. It provides a forum for the discussion of polar exploration and the presentation of artistic work relevant to Shackleton and polar exploration.”

  • Japan-one of the few countries to embark on Antarctic exploration in the “heroic age” outside of those from western Europe or its diaspora

    • The Shirase Antarctic Expedition Memorial Museum-this museum located in Nobu Shirase’s birthplace of Nikaho is obviously centered around the early explorer’s 1910-1912 Antarctic expedition. The museum also contains displays about more contemporary Japanese expeditions to Antarctica. See the above note of friendship listed under the Australian Museum.

  • Norway-what can you say; those Norwegians got it done. Whether going north to Greenland, through the Northwest passage, or south to the pole, their well honed knowledge of seafaring, cold weather skillsets, and perhaps most importantly their eagerness to learn from indigenous peoples’ vast knowledge led to their successes. Let’s visit where to celebrate their accomplishments.

    • The Polar Museum-what better place to start that Tromsø, which also has a beautiful botanical garden; the museum is part of the larger The Arctic University Museum of Norway. The latter has great exhibits on the rise of the Sápmi nation and the ethnographic development of The Sami Culture. The Polar Museum covers all the greats from Fridtjof Nansen to Roald Amundsen and many displays in between. The museum conglomerate also houses the MS Polstjerna, a 1949 seal fishing vessel. But perhaps most important of all, and no doubt what contributed greatly to the success of the Norwegians, is the exhibit Snowhow. The name says it all, but it was the “secret sauce” that both Nansen and Amundsen brought to the table, learning from the Inuits and north Norwegian skippers.

    • Roald Amundsen home-located in Uranienborg, a neighborhood in Oslo, and occupied by Amundsen from 1908 until his death in 1928. During his tenure in the home, his fame built due to three colossal undertakings: first to the south pole (1911), the Maud Expedition and the northeast passage (1918-1925) sailing, and the first flight over the north pole (1926). Pair up a visit to his home with the next blockbuster museum.

    • The Fram Museum-a “must visit” when in Norway, even if you don’t like polar history. This spectacular museum can swallow you up for days. The Fram houses three historic Norwegian exploration vessels: Gjøa, Fram and Maud. The first two are on display. Of course, the Fram has permanent displays on Amundsen and Nansen, the Northwest passage, and a host of other polar explorations, including many not originating from Norway.

    • Kon-Tiki Museum-having nothing to do with the poles, but everything to do with Norwegian sea-faring, this museum is a two minute walk from the Fram. Check it out when in the neighborhood, and learn about Thor Heyerdahl’s 1947 journey.

  • Russia-due to its proximity to the Arctic and long northern coastline, Russia has and continues to take a great interest in the Arctic, both strategically and economically. However, they have an early presence in the Antarctica as well, dating back to von Bellingshausen’s voyage in 1819. He is generally credited to have been the second to cross the Antarctic circle, following in the footsteps of Captain Cook. However, he gets firsts for the sighting of Antarctica on January 28th, 1820, and circumnavigation of the newly discovered continent.

    • Russian State Museum of the Arctic and Antarctic-located in St. Petersburg, this museum has several exhibitions and expositions. Display topics range from the natural to the physical sciences, historical and present day exploration and research, and cultural and artistic displays of indigenous peoples.

  • Scotland-while many polar explorers, notably William Speirs Bruce, John Rae, Henry McNeish, and others, haled from Scotland, the country does not offer the same concentration of polar visitation attractions as does its neighbor to the south. However, the beauty of Scotland and the delightful people there requires a visit, having nothing to do with the polar reaches. Nonetheless, there are a few polar gems to be found, and here is a list:

    • The Bute Museum-found in Rothesay, on the island of Bute, west of Glasgow, this small museum has an eclectic array of locally historic objects. However, it also offers a small display on Henry Robert Bowers, of Scott’s Terra Nova fame. Bowers was one of the most dedicated members of Scott’s expedition and sadly perished along with Scott, Oates, Evans, and Wilson on their return from the pole.

    • National Library of Scotland-though more research centric in nature, the library located in Edinburgh has thousands of books, maps, other documents, and ephemera relating to polar exploration, primarily from Antarctica.

    • RRS Discovery Museum-it is rare these days to find an original historic vessel still afloat; this is one of them, located in Dundee, Scotland. Built as a three masted barque with a 450 HP coal fired steam engine by the Dundee Shipbuilder’s Company and launched in 1901, RRS Discovery found its way home to Dundee in 1986. Maintained by the Dundee Heritage Trust, this is the famous ship that carried Scott and Shackleton on the British National Antarctic Expedition, 1901-1904. It also participated in WWI and the BANZARE expedition: 1929-1931. The museum has important displays on two additional expeditions: Scott’s Terra Nova and Shackleton’s Endurance.

    • Stromness Museum-This museum in Orkney has an eclectic collection of cultural, ethnological, maritime, and natural history exhibits including a octant, fiddle, Halkett cloth boat, and powder horn which belonged to explorer John Rae. They also have some Franklin relics including his Arctic Medal and powder horn. Collections include indigenous displays as well. While in Stromness, check out the pierhead, now adorned with a monument to Rae.

    • St. Magnus Cathedral-the main attraction in Kirkwall, Orkeny, at least from a polar perspective. The cathedral was founded in 1137 and is worth a visit in its own right. Rae is buried in the churchyard and inside there is a memorial to Rae, a Portland stone carving of Rae asleep (1894). The Orkney Museum, also located in Orkney’s largest city, is primarily concerned with the history of Orkney and relevant archeology; it is certainly worth a visit especially if you are in Orkney primarily to visit its archeological ruins. Finally, while there check out St. Olaf's Scottish Episcopal Church; one of the stained glass panels commemorates Rae; it was donated by his widow Kate.

  • United States-while the US does not have the longevity of polar exploration compared to its European neighbors, American figures have sailed and flown towards the poles throughout these last three centuries. Often connected with seal or whale hunting, the below locations showcase that history. American endeavors from the 20th century are displayed at other venues.

    • New Bedford Whaling Museum-Much like the Seaport below, the whaling museum is one of a kind.. The subject matter is only partially obvious as the museum has shrewdly expanded to areas outside of just whaling history. Contemporary displays cover a range of scientific and other maritime topics including art and cultural exhibits. Cape Verdeans and Azoreans figure prominently in the history of the whaling industry and their culture is well represented. The log books, a Japanese map, and other papers of Antarctic whaler Mercator Cooper reside there. One other arctic treasure resides at the museum: the Grinnell Resolute Desk. The museum is scheduled to have a photographic exhibit, Arctic Passages, planned for March, 2021.

    • Mystic Seaport Museum-in Mystic CT, the Seaport is a magical place, just down coast a bit from the Palmer house (below). It is part re-creation of a historic seaport, complete with all of the expected merchants, from sailmaker to chandler and floating vessels of the era. In that sense it is much like many historic villages found in the United States and elsewhere around the world. In other ways, it is like a museum, with buildings displaying marine art, ship figureheads, and more. But the Seaport is much more for it has three outstanding gems. The first is the Charles W. Morgan, the last original wooden whaling ship afloat. Following a huge overhaul several years ago, the Morgan is once again sea worthy. Though it seems that the Morgan made only a couple of visits to polar regions, the western Arctic in 1859-1863 and Desolation (part of the South Shetlands) in 1916-17, she is worth a visit none the less. The second is the the Seaport’s working Henry B. Dupont Preservation Shipyard. The skill and expertise of its workers make it one of the premier places in the world for the building and restoration of historic wooden vessels, from the Morgan (above) to the Freedom Schooner Amistad, and many vessels in between. The third is the Seaport’s new Thompson exhibit hall, built in 2016, which has hosted a Franklin exhibit in the past and had planned a “Discovering Antarctica” exhibit for the fall of 2020 (cancelled due to Covid-19). And while you’re visiting, don’t forget to check out their excellent maritime bookstore and art gallery. Several contemporary polar books in my collection hail from the bookstore’s shelves.

    • Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum-Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick ME has a long history with the Arctic. dating back to the 1860s.. No surprise that this increased due to two alums: Robert Peary (class of 1877) and Robert MacMillan (class of 1898). Their expeditions, and subsequent collections from their work in the Arctic led to the museum’s opening in 1967. Today, the museum is all things Arctic, from history, to art, to indigenous Inuits. And when in Brunswick be sure to visit the source of the best gelato I’ve ever tasted: Gelato Fiasco.

    • Captain Nathaniel B Palmer House Museum-this 16 room Victorian mansion, located in Stonington CT, was built in 1852 by Palmer and his brother. The house is now maintained by the Stonington Historical Society and is listed on the National Historic Register. Palmer was a seal hunter who sailed to the Antarctica to find “fame and fortune”. At the young age of 21 on his second voyage to Antarctica, he captained a small sloop, the Hero. The vessel, only 47 feet in length, had a diminutive crew of only four, plus Palmer. This fearless captain is recognized for having co-discovered the South Orkneys and is credited with being the third to sight the Antarctic peninsula (first American) on November 17th, 1820. He certainly gets credit for seeing the long sought after Terra Australis from the smallest vessel. A model of the Hero, along with other ship models and Antarctic display items is located in the home. It is no surprise that Palmer built this mansion in Stonington; he was a descendent of the influential Walter Palmer, who was a founding father of Stonington. This posting would not be complete without noting that Walter Palmer also founded the town in which I live, Rehoboth MA, in 1643, and served as one of its first Selectman. Rehoboth’s elementary school and the river flowing through town, the Palmer River, are named after him just as Palmer Land in the Antarctica is named after Captain Nat.

    • Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center-as part of the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History, the center focuses primarily on research and educational activities. They do have exhibits from time to time. Interestingly, these are split. In some cases polar related exhibits may be found at the museum’s primary location in our nation’s capital. However, they have also partnered with the Anchorage Museum (below) and now have an Arctic Studies Center presence there.

    • Anchorage Museum-while this museum situated in Anchorage hosts artefacts from the collections of the Smithsonian, they have other Arctic related exhibits as well. Many of these center around the culture and art of indigenous and other international northern peoples. In September, 2017, the museum expanded with the opening of a new wing housing four new galleries. This has allowed more of their collection to be on display permanently.

    • East Hampton Library-located on the beautiful south fork of eastern Long Island, New York, the East Hampton Library holds a number of whaling logs from the 19th century. One of them is the Log of the Whaler/Sealer Levant from 1851-1856. Mid-way through this voyage, on January 27th, 1853, Captain Mercator Cooper and crew landed a boat on Oates Coast, Victoria Land. They provided the best, earliest documentation of setting foot on the continent of Antarctica. Much of the log is missing pages, and in its online description from the library there is no mention of this singular event.

    • United States Naval Academy Cemetery-located in Annapolis Maryland, the academy cemetery is worth a visit to appreciate both its “record of tears” and record of accomplishments”, as stated on its web site. The Jeanette Monument, the largest in the cemetery, is located in section two and indeed embodies both of those quotes. The USS Jeanette, was commissioned into the US Navy just 10 days before departing on the US Arctic Expedition under the command of James De Long, an academy graduate. Five months out from San Francisco she became entrapped in ice. She was eventually crushed, and sank on June 13th, 1881 off of Siberia. The monument pays tribute to her crew, stating: “Commemorative of the heroic officers and men of the United States Navy who perished in the Jeannette Arctic Exploring Expedition. 1881.”. There are multiple other monuments and graves of historic and recent interest at the cemetery. De Long himself is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.

    • Admiral Peary Inn Bed and Breakfast-this seven room bed and breakfast is located in Fryeburg ME. Of note, it is dog friendly, AND there have been sightings of a child-ghost at the inn. Its polar importance is two-fold. First, it is where Peary lived after graduating from Bowdoin College, from 1877-1881. While there, he was the town curator, a taxidermist and justice of the peace. Secondly, the inn, replete with Peary memorabilia, can serve as home base while exploring both polar and non-polar related points of interest in the Waterville/Mt. Washington Valley areas. So what’s to visit? The first place to check out is Jockey Cap Rock which is a short hike from just north of the center of Fryeburg. At the top is a memorial to Peary, erected by his family in 1938. The site is where Peary, while living in Fryeburg, constructed a mountain profile. While in Fryeburg Peary also constructed a true north meridian. A commemorative plaque, the Peary Commemorative Meridian Plaque, can be found in a field adjacent to the Fryeburg Academy. West of Fryeburg in New Hampshire is Waterville valley and the Chinook Trail, Rte. 113A, between Tamworth and Wonalancet. This scenic route, named after the dog breed responsible for staffing many of the dog teams used in the Arctic and Antarctic is just over the border from Fryeburg. The Chinook is New Hampshire's state dog breed. The link between Byrd and Peary’s dogs? The original great Chinook was a lead dog during Admiral Richard Byrd's expeditions to the South pole. His mother Ningo was descended from Admiral Peary's lead dog on his expeditions to the North pole. On the route, you’ll find the New Hampshire historic marker tribute to Chinook Kennels, the breeder that provided many of these sled dogs. There you can see multiple other plaques including The Admiral Byrd Memorial to all Noble Dogs. It pays tribute to the dogs from Byrd’s first two Antarctic expeditions: 1928 and 1933. For a wonderful summary of these sites and more, see the excellent blog post of Bob Cantrell from the Conway public library: Washington Valley Winter/Polar History.

    • Byrd Polar Archives-located at Ohio State University in Columbus, the polar archives are part of the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Project. There is a reference room were photographs and manuscripts can be viewed. Some materials are listed on line. In addition, they have a large number of oral histories, interviews with a number of explorers and scientists: Polar Archive oral histories.

    • Sullivan County Historical Society-this small museum resides in the county of birth of Frederick Cook, located in Hurleyville NY. It is roughly 19 miles “as the crow flies” from Cook’s place of birth in Hortonville. You can visit the museum next time you are in the beautiful Catskill Mountains as it contains a small exhibit on Cook and his accomplishments.

  • New Zealand

    • Canterbury Museum-this museum located in Christchurch has an eclectic collection spanning a variety of themes. It has a separate Antarctic gallery that is filled with artefacts large and small from early expeditions: Scott’s Discovery and Terra Nova, Shackleton’s Nimrod and Endurance, and Amundsen’s Fram. However, also on display is a Tucker Sno-Cat used in the first motorized crossing of Antarctica. It is from the 100 day Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1957-1958, led by Sir Vivian Fuchs and involving Sir Edmund Hillary . Of note, Hillary, of Mt. Everest fame and one of New Zealand’s own, (born and died in Auckland) led the New Zealand contingent of this expedition from Scott Base on McMurdo Sound in the Ross Sea. Though the plan was that Hillary and team would act in a supporting role, laying supplies for Fuchs, he and colleagues pressed on, beating Fuchs to the pole by 16 days. His was the first land based arrival since Amundsen in 1911 and Scott in 1912. The museum’s online site also links to polar related exhibitions no longer active, such as Breaking the Ice which wrapped up in October, 2019.

    • Karori Cemetery-located in Wellington, you might wonder what is so special about this cemetery. The obvious answer is that someone of polar fame is buried there. But if that was the whole story, there would be many cemetery listings on this page. This one is unique. Henry McNeish (likely McNish), though born in Port Glasgow, Scotland is buried in Karori. As you may know from your knowledge of the history of Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctica expedition, McNeish was the shipwright (carpenter) for the expedition. He is best known for increasing the seaworthiness of the James Caird, used for the rescue voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia. McNeish strengthened the Caird and added height to its gunwales.

      When the Endurance was destroyed and the ship abandoned, Shackleton gave the order to shoot all the dogs and McNeish’s beloved cat, Mrs. Chippy (though she was really a he). Cantankerous before this event, reportedly McNeish never forgave Shackleton for giving the order to kill his feline companion. The story is that Shackleton decided to not leave McNeish behind on Elephant for fear of his effect on the other men. As we all know, the rescue voyage was a success, and the rest is history. Unfortunately, after his return, Shackleton refused to recommend McNeish for the Polar Medal. McNeish, after several years in the Merchant Navy and likely a hard life, moved to Wellington, and worked on the docks. During this time he became destitute, homeless, developed failing health. He died in 1930 and was buried in an unmarked grave in Karori. However, there is a happy ending. In 1959 the New Zealand Antarctica Society erected a headstone, and in 2004 adorned his grave with a life size bronze statue of Mrs. Chippy, thus reuniting McNeish with his beloved cat. And that, is the rest of the story!

    • Admiral Richard Byrd Memorials-while not immediately obvious why there would be not one but two memorials to Admiral Byrd in New Zealand, located in Wellington and Dunedin, multiple Byrd Antarctic expeditions kicked off from NZ, resulting in the Byrd recognition. Byrd called New Zealand his second home. The first, unveiled in 1962, is located on Mt. Victoria outside Wellington, and includes stones from Antarctica. The second is in Dunedin, Byrd’s home base for his first expedition. It dates to 1967 and sits in Unity Park, overlooking the port.