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Archive for category: Conserve

Conserving Stonington Stories

July 4, 2018 - Conserve, News Story, UKAHT

“Like seeing Antarctica for the first time” is how Lizzie Meek (Programme Manager – Artefacts) described her experience at Stonington Island on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Read more
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Raising the Roof

March 27, 2018 - Antarctic Blog, Hillary's Hut, News Story

Antarctic Heritage Trust has finished the last major job of saving Sir Edmund Hillary’s hut at Scott Base – installing a new roof.

The Trust raised nearly a million dollars to save the hut, also known as the TAE/IGY Hut, which was built by a team under Sir Ed’s leadership in 1957 just before his famous dash to the South Pole.

While working to conserve Hillary’s (TAE) Hut in 2016, the need for a weather-tight long-term roofing solution was identified.

Programme Manager Al Fastier says the Trust wanted the roofing solution to last a minimum of 35 years but more likely 50 to 100 years. A plan was then developed to overclad the historic roof, meaning the original roof remained intact.

A key feature of the newly restored hut is the painted aluminium roof, complete with new battens painted in the original bright orange.

“It gives it a real point of difference,” says Fastier, a long time visitor to the ice.

Assembling the battens for the roofAntarctic Heritage Trust

Assembling the battens for the roof

For specialist Standing Seam roofer, Mike Burgess, the conditions provided a job unlike anything he had ever tackled.

“I’ve never been that cold,” says Burgess, who had to race indoors on the odd occasion to regain feeling in his hands.

The project manager for Architectural Metalformers is used to working through complicated roofing projects in rural, commercial and urban environments – less so in the world’s harshest environment.

“The opportunity to waterproof such an important New Zealand building with our product, while endeavouring to make it visually similar to the original aesthetic could not be passed up, regardless of the weather complexities,” Burgess says.

Not one to opt out of a challenge, Burgess combined his more than 20 years in the business, with further research, to come up with the robust long term waterproof roofing solution.

The Trust acknowledges, Architectural Metalformers, Pacific Coilcoaters, Sika NZ, Nexus Foams and Dulux New Zealand for their donated products and technical assistance.

Chris Ansin, Al Fastier and Geoff Cooper taking a break on the roof of the hut.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Chris Ansin, Al Fastier and Geoff Cooper taking a break on the roof of the hut.

Antarctic Programme Manager Al Fastier working on the roofAntarctic Heritage Trust

Antarctic Programme Manager Al Fastier working on the roof

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Stunning Stonington

March 26, 2018 - News Story, UKAHT

The Trust is delighted to have our team assisting UKAHT on the Antarctic Peninsula as part of the new multi-year agreement.

Read more
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Final Touches go on Sir Ed’s Antarctic Hut

December 19, 2017 - Hillary's Hut, Media Releases, News Story

The Trust raised nearly a million dollars to save the hut, also known as the TAE/IGY Hut, which was built by a team under Sir Ed’s leadership in 1957 just before his famous dash to the South Pole. The fundraising campaign included a 2012-kilometre tractor journey from Piha Beach to Mount Cook, collecting donations on the way.

Hillary's hut

Assembling the battens for the roof

The team are now thrilled to have completed conservation work on an iconic piece of Kiwi history.

New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust programme manager Al Fastier says it’s been a long and successful road to save the hut and conserve the hundreds of artefacts within it.

“As a historic site, its significance is that it’s the birthplace of New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica and the link to Sir Ed’s famous tractor trip to the South Pole.”

Antarctic Programme Manager Al Fastier working on the roofAntarctic Heritage Trust

Antarctic Programme Manager Al Fastier working on the roof

New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust programme manager Al Fastier says it’s been a long and successful road to save the hut and conserve the hundreds of artefacts within it.

“As a historic site, its significance is that it’s the birthplace of New Zealand’s presence in Antarctica and the link to Sir Ed’s famous tractor trip to the South Pole.”

While working to conserve Hillary’s Hut last season, the need for a weather-tight long-term roofing solution was identified.

Fastier says the Trust wanted the roofing solution to last a minimum of 35 years but more likely 50 to 100 years. A plan was then developed to overclad the historic roof, meaning the original roof remained intact.

Antarctic Youth Ambassador Chris Ansin working on the hut roofAntarctic Heritage Trust

Antarctic Youth Ambassador Chris Ansin working on the hut roof

A key feature of the newly restored hut is the painted aluminium roof, complete with new battens painted in the original bright orange.

“It gives it a real point of difference,” says Fastier, a long time visitor to the ice.

For Fastier, there was an even greater connection to the restoration effort, New Zealand and Hillary, given he slept in the hut on his first trip to the ice in 1987.

Chris Ansin, Al Fastier and Geoff Cooper taking a break on the roof of the hut.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Chris Ansin, Al Fastier and Geoff Cooper taking a break on the roof of the hut.

As if the project itself did not provide enough of a challenge, the team had to work around extreme weather systems that included snow and wind storms.

Temperatures averaged -8 to 15 degrees Celsius during the project, with a few -25 and -30 degree Celsius days thrown into the mix.

For specialist Standing Seam roofer, Mike Burgess, the conditions provided a job unlike anything he had ever tackled.

“I’ve never been that cold,” says Burgess, who had to race indoors on the odd occasion to regain feeling in his hands.

The project manager for Architectural Metalformers is used to working through complicated roofing projects in rural, commercial and urban environments in and around Auckland – and less so in the world’s harshest environment.

When he was granted the opportunity to join the conservation effort, Burgess did not hesitate to accept.

“The opportunity to waterproof such an important New Zealand building with our product, while endeavouring to make it visually similar to the original aesthetic could not be passed up, regardless of the weather complexities,” Burgess says.

Not one to opt out of a challenge, Burgess combined his more than 20 years in the business, with further research, to come up with the robust long term waterproof roofing solution.

Burgess and Architectural Metalformers offered their time free of charge.

Having now returned from the ice, Burgess remains under the Antarctic spell.

“It’s been an experience that I will never forget, images and my words certainly don’t do it justice” he says.

“The scale, beauty and the history of the Antarctic – I’ve been bitten by the bug.”

Burgess and the Trust would also like to thank Pacific Coilcoaters, Sika NZ and Nexus Foams for their donated products and technical assistance.

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Century-old Fruitcake

August 10, 2017 - Borchgrevink's Hut, Famous Discoveries, Media Releases, News Story

Antarctic Heritage Trust conservators found a 100 year old fruit cake among the artefacts from Cape Adare.

Made by Huntley & Palmers, the fruit cake is still wrapped in paper and encased in the remains of a tin-plated iron alloy tin. The cake probably dates to the Cape Adare-based Northern Party of Scott’s Terra Nova expedition (1910 – 1913) as it has been documented that Scott took this particular brand of cake with him at that time. Although the tin was in poor condition, the cake itself looked and smelt (almost) edible.

Fruit cake after conservation treatment.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Fruit cake after conservation treatment.

Conservation treatment involved rust removal, chemical stabilisation and coating of the tin remnants. Deacidification of the tin label and some physical repair to the torn paper wrapper and tin label was also carried out. The cake itself was in excellent condition. Programme Manager-Artefacts Lizzie Meek said “With just two weeks to go on the conservation of the Cape Adare artefacts, finding such a perfectly preserved fruitcake in amongst the last handful of unidentified and severely corroded tins was quite a surprise. It’s an ideal high-energy food for Antarctic conditions, and is still a favourite item on modern trips to the Ice.”

Huntley and Palmer's fruit cake in wrapper.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Huntley and Palmer’s fruit cake in wrapper.

Fruit cake found at Cape Adare thought to be from Scott's Northern Party (1911).Antarctic Heritage Trust

Fruit cake found at Cape Adare thought to be from Scott’s Northern Party (1911).

Since May 2016, a team of four conservators have been working in the Canterbury Museum lab on the conservation of Antarctic artefacts from Cape Adare. The team recently finished the large project in July this year, conserving almost 1500 artefacts. The Trust is now planning to begin the conservation work on the buildings at Cape Adare. The huts were built by Norwegian Carsten Borchgrevink’s expedition in 1899 and later used by Captain Scott’s party in 1911. The buildings were the first in Antarctica and are the only examples left of humanity’s first building on any continent. The permit the Trust was granted to collect the artefacts stipulates that all of the items must be returned to the site following conservation, in accordance with the site’s status as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA). This will happen once the huts themselves have been restored. The Trust is very grateful for the support it receives from its funders, Norwegian Government, Canterbury Museum for its facilities and logistical support from Antarctica New Zealand to get the artefacts out of and back to Cape Adare. Check out the Huntley and Palmers online archive.

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Dr Edward Wilson Watercolour

June 12, 2017 - Borchgrevink's Hut, Famous Discoveries, Media Releases, News Story

 

New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust has discovered an almost perfectly preserved 118 year old watercolour painting among penguin-excrement, dust and mould covered papers found in an historic hut at Cape Adare, Antarctica.

 

Canterbury Museum

The water colour was painted by Dr Edward Wilson who died with Captain Robert Falcon Scott and three others on their return from the South Pole in 1912.

 

Dr Edward WilsonCanterbury Museum

Dr Edward Wilson

“I opened it and there was this gorgeous painting… I got such a fright that I jumped and shut the portfolio again. I then took the painting out and couldn’t stop looking at it – the colours, the vibrancy, it is such a beautiful piece of work. I couldn’t believe it was there.” The painting is labelled ‘1899 Tree Creeper’ and has the initial ‘T’ on it. It depicts a Tree Creeper bird specimen. The discovery was made in September 2016, but has been kept confidential until now to enable the team to focus on restoring all of the 1,500 artefacts from Cape Adare.

 

Antarctic Heritage Trust

 

Antarctic Heritage Trust

The Trust’s Programme Manager – Artefact Conservation, Lizzie Meek says it wasn’t immediately clear who the artist was given that two expeditions had based themselves at Cape Adare. “The Cape Adare huts were built by Norwegian Carsten Borchgrevink’s expedition in 1899 and later used by Captain Scott’s party in 1911. We knew the artist was likely to be among the men on those expeditions,” says Lizzie.

 

Borchgrevink’s hut at Cape Adare is built amongst a colony of over 400,000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Borchgrevink’s hut at Cape Adare is built amongst a colony of over 400,000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins.

As the Trust was working to identify the artist, Josefin attended a lecture at Canterbury University on Dr Wilson. “The presenter showed some of Dr Wilson’s artwork… as soon as I saw his distinctive handwriting, I knew he had painted the Tree Creeper. This made sense as there was also a 1911 newspaper article from the Lyttelton Times in the papers and Scott’s party went to Antarctica via New Zealand.”

 

Antarctic Heritage Trust

Lizzie Meek says Dr Wilson was a remarkable man. “He was not only a talented painter, but a scientist and a medical doctor who was an integral member of both of Scott’s expeditions to the Ice.” Josefin is not surprised the painting survived in such excellent condition. “Water colour paintings are particularly susceptible to light so the fact this work has spent more than a hundred years tightly packed between other sheets of paper in completely dark and cold conditions is actually an ideal way to store it.” Lizzie Meek says how the painting came to be in the hut is still something of a mystery. “It’s likely that Wilson painted it while he was recovering from tuberculosis in Europe. Clearly, he could have taken the painting to Antarctica on either of Scott’s expeditions but we think it’s more likely the artwork travelled with him in 1911, and somehow made its way from Cape Evans to Cape Adare.”

 

Antarctic Heritage Trust

The permit the Trust was granted to collect the artefacts stipulates that all of the items must be returned to the site following conservation, in accordance with the site’s status as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA). This will happen once the huts themselves have been restored. The Trust’s General Manager Operations and Communications, Francesca Eathorne says finding the painting is a poignant reminder of the inspiring legacy the early polar explorers left behind. “More than a century later we are still sharing stories about those expeditions. We’ve been able to create a high quality facsimile of the painting so we are now looking forward to sharing it with the rest of the world. We are in no doubt this will attract global interest – particularly from our friends in the UK.” Visit Cheltenham’s art gallery and museum The Wilson: www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk

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Hillary’s Hut Wins Award

May 12, 2017 - Hillary's Hut, Media Releases

We are delighted to have won the International category of the 31st annual Dulux Colour Awards for Hillary’s Hut. Sixty years on from when Hillary’s (TAE/IGY) Hut was the first building at New Zealand’s Scott Base, its retro colours are again shining bright… In the whitest white of an Antarctic snow storm, finding shelter fast can be the difference between life and death. In 1957, the intense orange and yellow of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Hut at New Zealand’s Scott Base was a beacon to those caught out by the weather.

Hillary's hut

Hillary’s hut

Hillary’s Hut, also known as the TAE/IGY Hut, was the first building erected at Scott Base. It was only recently returned to those original colours and last night won the International category ofthe 31st annual Dulux Colour Awards in Melbourne. Antarctic Heritage Trust Executive Director Nigel Watson says they’re delighted. “The award celebrates an iconic site and is recognition of the extreme lengths we went to, with Dulux, to recreate the original paintwork. This started with the careful stripping of the outer paint layers to reveal the original Berger colours and then working with Dulux to create an exact match.” The Trust’s team had the honour of naming the exterior colours mixed to match the originals:

  • Pram Point –the yellow is named after the geographic location of Scott Base
  • Sno-cat –after the orange tracked vehicles used on the Trans-Antarctic Expedition

The painting was undertaken as part of the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s conservation of Hillary’s Hut. Almost 600 artefacts were also conserved with the work completed in time for Scott Base’s 60th anniversary in January of this year.The Trust’s Programme Manager Al Fastier says the restoration was an enormous undertaking. “Painting in sub-zero conditions was a major challenge, with wind chill or storm conditions often making it impossible to work outside. With persistence and cold fingers, the team achieved a remarkable transformation -even using brushes rather than rollers to replicate a 1950’s finish.” Sir Edmund Hillary led the establishment of Scott Base and ‘wintered over’ in the hut as part of New Zealand’s involvement with the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition and the International Geophysical Year. The hut was repainted green, along with the rest of Scott Base, in 1965/66. Nigel Watson says returning Hillary’s Hut to its original retro colours not only reflects its history, it makes a visible statement. “The bright, retro colours mean Hillary’s Hut stands out among the almost exclusively modern, green-painted buildings of Scott Base, drawing attention to its unique standing as the birthplace of Scott Base”. In addition to the exterior, the five main spaces inside the hut –mess room, radio room, Sir Ed’s room, the kitchen and cold porch –were all repainted in a multitude of colours, as specified on the original architectural plans. The Dulux Colour Awards are Australasia’s premier showcase of inspirational colour application in built environments

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Saving Hillary’s Hut

March 19, 2017 - Hillary's Hut, Media Releases

On Friday 20 January 2017 the residents of New Zealand’s Scott Base celebrated the base’s 60 year anniversary by taking a tour through the recently restored Hillary’s (TAE/IGY) Hut.

Antarctic Heritage Trust’s team of 12 worked more than 5700 hours on the major conservation of the building over the summer season. The work started in November 2016 following a successful fundraising campaign to save the site, the legacy of the Commonwealth Trans- Antarctic Expedition (1956-1958).

A stunning photo taken by renowned New Zealand photographer Jane Ussher following the completion of the TAE Hut restoration.Jane Ussher

A stunning photo taken by renowned New Zealand photographer Jane Ussher following the completion of the TAE Hut restoration.

The New Zealand Government and Antarctica New Zealand asked the Trust to take on the care and conservation of the hut, including raising funds for its restoration and long term maintenance.

“It’s an iconic slice both of polar and Kiwi history that could have been lost. Now, thanks to our many supporters from around the world it will be there to inspire future generations to explore and push their boundaries like Sir Ed did,” says the Trust’s Executive Director Nigel Watson.

Extensive planning and research was undertaken by the Trust in preparation for the conservation work. Originally designed to last only twenty years, after sixty years the building had a number of issues including deteriorating asbestos wall and ceiling linings, a leaking roof, snow ingress, and melt water under the foundations.

Care was taken to retain and reinstate original building materials after the asbestos was removed. Where new material was essential, modern material was chosen that was as close as possible to the original finish and appearance.

The 1980’s pitched roof addition was removed and the original flat roof structure was reinstated. Exterior vents and flues were repaired and replaced. The Trust worked closely with Dulux New Zealand to match original TAE-era paint samples and colour swatches, before repainting the exterior and interior of the building in the bold shades of the 1950s.

View the restoration gallery.

Hillary's Hut featuring its original colours, renamed by the Trust as 'Pram Point (yellow) and 'Sno-cat' (orange).Antarctic Heritage Trust

Hillary’s Hut featuring its original colours, renamed by the Trust as ‘Pram Point (yellow) and ‘Sno-cat’ (orange).

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Ross Sea Party Photos

January 15, 2016 - Famous Discoveries, Scott's Hut, Cape Evans

Our conservation specialists, working in expedition photographer Herbert Ponting’s darkroom at Scott’s Cape Evans base, discovered a small box of cellulose nitrate negatives clumped together.

The photographs are from Ernest Shackleton’s Ross Sea Party (1914-1917), which spent time living in Scott’s hut after being stranded on Ross Island when their ship blew out to sea. Their role was to lay vital depots for Shackleton’s expedition.

The negatives were removed from Antarctica to undergo detailed conservation treatment back in New Zealand, where the negatives were painstakingly separated to reveal 22 never-before-seen Antarctic images.Antarctic Heritage Trust

The negatives were removed from Antarctica to undergo detailed conservation treatment back in New Zealand, where the negatives were painstakingly separated to reveal 22 never-before-seen Antarctic images.

Iceberg and land, Ross Island. Antarctic Heritage Trust

Iceberg and land, Ross Island.

Although many of the images were damaged, our conservators were able to recognise landmarks around McMurdo Sound. While the identity of the photographer remains unknown, it is thought to be expedition photographer, the Reverend Arnold Spencer-Smith.

Alexander Stevens, chief scientist and geologist on-board the Aurora.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Alexander Stevens, chief scientist and geologist on-board the Aurora.

Looking south along Hut Point Peninsula to Ross Island.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Looking south along Hut Point Peninsula to Ross Island.

 

Ross Island, Antarctica. Alexander Stevens, chief scientist and geologist looks south. Hut Point Peninsula in the backgroundAntarctic Heritage Trust

Ross Island, Antarctica. Alexander Stevens, chief scientist and geologist looks south. Hut Point Peninsula in the background

Tent Island, McMurdo Sound.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Tent Island, McMurdo Sound.

Big Razorback Island, McMurdo Sound.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Big Razorback Island, McMurdo Sound.

Mount Erebus, Ross Island, from the west.Mount Erebus, Ross Island, from the west.

Mount Erebus, Ross Island, from the west.

 

Sea ice afloat, McMurdo Sound.Antarctic Heritage Trust

Sea ice afloat, McMurdo Sound.

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Prime Minister Launches Conservation Plan

March 17, 2015 - Hillary's Hut, Media Releases

Today, New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key has launched the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Conservation Plan for Hillary’s Hut, in front of more than 125 Antarcticansat Parliament.

Hillary’s Hut, ‘Hut A’, forms part of New Zealand’s first scientific facility at Scott Base. It is the original remaining building established with the support of the New Zealand Government for the country’s involvement in the Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-58 and International Geophysical Year 1957-58. It is designated as a Historic Monument under the Antarctic Treaty in recognition of its importance in the history of exploration and science in Antarctica.

NZ flagAntarctic Heritage Trust

NZ flag

The event was hosted by Hon Maggie Barry, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage and included surviving members of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition 1955-58 and International Geophysical Year 1957-58and members of Sir Edmund Hillary’s family.

This conservation work is of great significance to New Zealand’s history. “Sir Ed was the patron of the Antarctic Heritage Trust up until his passing. We are honoured to have the opportunity,in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, to conserve the origins of Scott Base once we secure the necessary funding,” says Nigel Watson, Executive Director, Antarctic Heritage Trust.

The Conservation Plan was written by a team of authors under the leadership of Conservation Architect Chris Cochran, and peer reviewed by international experts.

In 2012 the Trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Antarctica New Zealand to manage this conservation work, including all fundraising for the site. Work will commence in the Antarctic summer of 2016-17 subject to the Trust securing funds.

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#OnThisDay in 1904, Captain Robert Falcon Scott's #OnThisDay in 1904, Captain Robert Falcon Scott's first Antarctic expedition ship 'Discovery' arrived back in Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Scott's National Antarctic 'Discovery' Expedition 1901-04 was sponsored by the Royal Geographical Society, the British Government and a London businessman, Llewellyn Longstaff. There were also donations from officers of the Royal Society and other private individuals. Sir Clements Markham launched the appeal that eventually raised £90,000 for the expedition – sufficient to pay for a new ship, provisions, wages and other costs.

It was the second expedition to winter over on the Antarctic continent, following Carston Borchgrevink's 'Southern Cross' Expedition 1899-1900. The men carried out significant exploration of the continent, including a ‘furthest south’ record of 82º16’S, and comprehensive scientific observations in the fields of meteorology, geology, glaciology, botany, marine biology and cartography.

At the end of the expedition, Scott and his men worked to saw a channel in the ice, freeing 'Discovery' from her berth of two years. On 5 January 1904, the relief ships 'Morning' and 'Terra Nova' were sighted. Efforts were then made to free 'Discovery' with explosives, but this did not achieve the desired effect and Scott made plans to abandon the ship. Then, on 14 February, the sea-ice began to break up and with the aid of a final explosive charge and some assistance from the wind and currents, 'Discovery' was free. After stopping briefly in Robertson Bay at Cape Adare to replace the rudder, the 'Discovery' proceeded to Lyttelton.

You can read more about the history of Scott's first Antarctic expedition here: https://nzaht.org/conserve/explorer-bases/scotts-hut-hut-point/history-of-expedition/

📸 Discovery Hut, the expedition base located at Hut Point, with the ship 'Discovery' in the background. Canterbury Museum.

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #Scott #RobertFalconScott #discovery
#OnThisDay in 1900, Borchgrevink's British Antarct #OnThisDay in 1900, Borchgrevink's British Antarctic 'Southern Cross' Expedition party returned to New Zealand from Antarctica after two years.

Borchgrevink’s party of 10 men was funded by magazine magnate Sir George Newnes. The aim of the expedition was to collect scientific data and study wildlife, be the first team to intentionally overwinter on the continent and explore the continent’s interior. Borchgrevink also wanted to investigate the commercial possibilities of the region, focusing on whaling, mineral prospecting and the mining of penguin guano for fertiliser.

Many of the expedition’s scientific records were lost but they did achieve some exceptional ‘firsts’, for example, they were the first to erect a building in Antarctica at Cape Adare. This hut still exists today as the only example left of humanity's first building on any continent. Antarctic Heritage Trust is proud to care Borchgrevink's legacy at Cape Adare on behalf of the international community.

They were also the first team to winter over, and use dogs, sledges and skis to travel over land and sea ice. Expedition members Bernacchi and Colbeck also produced a detailed map of the area that was used by later expeditions. Finally, under Bernacchi’s leadership, the first full year of weather readings was recorded. Their data set the baseline for Antarctic climate science.

📸 The Southern Cross expedition members pictured just before spending the first winter on the Antarctic continent, 1899. Canterbury Museum

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #borchgrevink #capeadare
#OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Robert Falcon Scott ma #OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Robert Falcon Scott made his final diary entry as he, Edward Wilson and Henry Bowers, waited for the inevitable end, trapped in their tent with unseasonably cold temperatures and worsening health preventing them from making the 11-mile journey to their next food and fuel depot.

Scott's diary: "Since the 21st we have had a continuous gale from W.S.W. and S.W. We had fuel to make two cups of tea apiece and bare food for two days on the 20th. Every day we have been ready to start for our depot 11 miles away, but outside the door of the tent it remains a scene of whirling drift. I do not think we can hope for any better things now. We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker, of course, and the end cannot be far.

It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more.

R. SCOTT.

For God’s sake look after our people."

Scott's Polar Party reached the South Pole on 17 January 1912, 34 days after Amundsen and his Norwegian party. During the journey home Edgar Evans suffered a fatal concussion and passed away 17 February. Thereafter, in March, Scott’s diary records the heroic end of Captain Lawrence 'Titus' Oates who, stricken with frostbite, walked out from the camp to his death.

For Scott and his remaining men, a successful march home depended on the decisions made and the depots laid months prior to the expedition. However, the storm that raged and a lack of food and fuel prevented this, and the men died in their sleeping bags within their tent. The journal of Tryggve Gran, part of the 11-man search party, records that the bodies were found on 12 November 1912. He used his own skis to construct a cross above the cairn that he and the rest of the search party erected over the site and wrote of Scott's skis, "I am using the Owner's ski(s) - they must finish the journey - and they will."

📸 Snow Cairn erected over the final resting place of Scott, Wilson and Bowers, Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection.

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #RobertFalconScott #terranova #southpole
Antarctic Heritage Trust is honoured to be one of Antarctic Heritage Trust is honoured to be one of the ten charities that Matt Rose has chosen to support as part of Matt's Good Walk. Matt is walking the length of the South Island and has raised almost half of his ambitious $250,000 target, some of which will help fund one young person on the Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ - South Georgia 2023.

Check out the news story below to read more about how Matt is achieving this.
https://www.scene.co.nz/queenstown-news/local-life/matts-big-fundraising-strides/

To learn more:
https://www.mattsgoodwalk.nz/
https://inspiringexplorers.co.nz/

#mattsgoodwalk #inspiringexplorers2023 #inspire #explore #antarcticheritagetrust
#OnThisDay in 1870, Herbert George Ponting was bor #OnThisDay in 1870, Herbert George Ponting was born. Ponting was a professional photographer and is best known as the expedition photographer and cinematographer for Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s 'Terra Nova' expedition 1910-1913. During his time on the ice, Ponting captured some of the most enduring images of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Scott’s vision of taking Antarctica to the world was to be fulfilled beyond his wildest expectations. Through his skill, tenacity and adaptation to the Antarctic conditions, Ponting opened everyone’s eyes, providing lessons to members of the expedition so the standard of photographic work on their scientific field parties was second to none. Ponting returned from the 'Terra Nova' expedition after the first year with a catalogue of over 1700 negatives and ca. 25,000 feet worth of film. His work moved beyond the bounds of travelogues or scenic imagery, it became the very forefront of polar wildlife documentary film-making.

Ponting had his very own darkroom in the 'Terra Nova' hut at Cape Evans on Ross Island. To find out more about Ponting and this fascinating space, check out the Trust's podcast Frozen in Time (#3 on the interactive map) on our website https://nzaht.org/frozen-in-time/

📸 Photographer Herbert George Ponting (1870-1935) at work in the dark room of Scott's 'Terra Nova' hut, Antarctica, during the British Antarctic Expedition, 24 March 1911. Alexander Turnbull Library

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #RobertFalconScott #Scott #Ponting #capeevans
#OnThisDay in 1889, Lionel Greenstreet, First Offi #OnThisDay in 1889, Lionel Greenstreet, First Officer of Shackleton's Imperial Trans Antarctic 'Endurance' Expedition (1914-17) was born. He grew up in East Barnet, Hertfordshire and at around 15 years old, became a cadet on the training ship 'Worcester' where he passed certificates in Navigation and Seamanship.

In August 1914, while on leave from duties with the New Zealand Shipping Company in Scotland, Greenstreet wrote to Frank Worsley, Captain of the 'Endurance' for a position on the expedition. As the First World War was starting, the original chief officer Douglas George Jeffrey, had left for active service. One day before Endurance sailed from Plymouth, Greenstreet received a short message from Worsley directing him to come meet him from whereby he was told to get his affairs in order and be ready to leave the next morning.

Greenstreet played an important role in the expedition team's survival after 'Endurance' was abandoned and crushed by ice in the Weddell Sea. Worsley later gave extensive praise to Greenstreet for his efforts on the journey to Elephant Island, relieving Worsley at the tiller of 'Dudley Docker' and serving as a key rower for the boat. After the expedition, Greenstreet served in both world wars, held numerous positions, married and eventually retired in Brixham, Devon. Greenstreet was the final surviving member of the 'Endurance' expedition, he died in 1979.

📸 Public Domain, Photographed by David Knights-Whittome

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica #Endurance #Shackleton
#OnThisDay in 1912, the remaining three members of #OnThisDay in 1912, the remaining three members of Scott's Polar Party, British Antarctic 'Terra Nova' Expedition 1910-1913, made their final camp on their return from the South Pole. Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Lieutenant Henry Bowers and Dr Edward Wilson were just 11 miles from the next depot of food and fuel which would have saved them.

Scott's diary entry on Monday 19 March, describes a dreadfully heavy sledge and -40-degree temperatures. Trapped by a blizzard, the men shared the little food they had left and waited.

"Every day we have been ready to start for our depot 11 miles away, but outside the door of the tent it remains a scene of whirling drift..." - R. F. Scott, Thursday 29 March. Scott's Last Expedition © The Long Riders' Guild Press.

📸 Scott's Party on Reaching the South Pole 1912 © Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection.

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #Antarctica
#OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Lawrence Oates made th #OnThisDay in 1912, Captain Lawrence Oates made the ultimate sacrifice, stepping out of his tent into a blizzard never to be seen again. Oates was an integral part of Scott's Polar Party, during the British Antarctic 'Terra Nova' Expedition 1910-1913, and made a brave attempt to preserve enough supplies for Scott, Wilson and Bowers during their return from the South Pole.

Oates was severely frostbitten, weakened and suffering from scurvy. Believing he was slowing the other men down, Oates died so they could have a chance at living. As he left the tent, Oates's famous last words are recorded as "I'm just going outside and may be some time..."

Captain Scott recorded these words in his diary, and some uncertainty lies over whether it was on the 16th or 17th March, which is also the same day that Oates was born 32 years earlier in 1880. Scott also wrote of Oates in his diary, "...it was the act of a brave man and an English gentleman."

Lawrence Oates was born in Putney, Surrey and in 1898, Oates joined a militia regiment, the 3rd Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment. In 1900, he was given an attachment to the British Army's 6th Inniskilling Dragoons and fought during the Second Boer War in South Africa. During the war Oates suffered a bullet injury to his thigh, leaving him with a limp and one leg shorter than the other. This injury caused him further pain, when the chill of the Antarctic intensified the effect of his injuries.

Oates' body was never found, however near where it is presumed that he died the search party erected a cairn and cross with the inscription;

'Hereabouts died a very gallant gentleman, Captain L. E. G. Oates, of the Inniskilling Dragoons. In March 1912, returning from the Pole, he walked willingly to his death in a blizzard, to try and save his comrades, beset by hardships.'

📸 Lawrence Oates, Alexander Turnbull Library

#OTD #inspire #explore #discover #conserve #Antarctica
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY – applications close at mid LAST CHANCE TO APPLY – applications close at midnight NZDT Sunday 19 March 2023.

Are you ready to follow in Shackleton’s footsteps? Challenge yourself? Grow as a person? Connect with fellow explorers? Be inspired by epic tales of polar exploration? Are you willing to share your experience and inspire your community to embrace the spirit of exploration?

Reach into the unknown – apply now for the upcoming Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ South Georgia! Head to inspiringexplorers.co.nz.

Applications close at midnight NZDT Sunday 19 March 2023. Eligibility criteria apply.

���This incredible two-week ship-based expedition is presented by @antarctica_21 and supported by our Inspiring Explorers™ Programme Partners @metservicenz and @royalsocietynz. 

📸 Sir Ernest Shackleton, Public Domain

#inspire #explore #discover #conserve #SouthGeorgia #inspiringexplorers #polar #adventure #Shackleton
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