A supporter story by Beverly Shipka – My Antarctica Story
Long term supporter Beverly was first introduced to the Trust during a voyage to the Ross Sea Antarctica in 2011 and has been a dedicated donor and supporter ever since.
My love affair with Antarctica and the early explorers began after my first trip there in 2008. Since then, I have travelled to the White Continent three more times with the highlight being my voyage on a Russian Icebreaker leaving from Lyttelton (NZ) en route to the Ross Sea in 2011.
That’s when I first became aware of New Zealand’s Antarctic Heritage Trust through then Executive Director, Nigel Watson, who was aboard.
I learned of the Trust’s mission and the ongoing work to preserve the huts of these early explorers. I will never forget being inside the huts of Shackleton and Scott. Seeing Scott’s iconic long table and standing at its head, just as Scott did, gave me goosebumps. I saw the utensils used, their bunks, clothing hanging from a line, Ponting’s dark room and the boxes and boxes of stores. I felt like a time traveller back in Scott’s time.
After returning, I devoured all the books I could find on Captain Scott and the other explorers. Scott’s diary was particularly moving as he wrote from the heart. I felt that I knew a little more about the inner man.
When I visited the Trust’s Christchurch office in January 2025, I was treated to their newly developed virtual reality device depicting Scott’s Hut and penguins. It was so real I thought I was petting a penguin when, in actuality, I was stroking the back of a chair. What a great educational tool!
I wholeheartedly believe in the Trust’s mission and am so glad to be a supporter. I plan to continue to do so for many more years and eventually leave my estate to the Trust. Their work is most important for current and future generations to know about Antarctica’s history. I would like to see this work continue for decades.
Yours very truly,
Beverly D Shipka
