There are numerous organizations and societies that have an exclusive--or nearly so--Antarctic focus. Those listed below, primarily non-scientific in emphasis, have history, preservation, current (or past) events, personalities, and similar as their major themes.
Last updated: 26 November 2007.
American Polar Society
Antarctic Aviation Preservation Society
Antarctica Project
Antarctic Heritage Trust
Antarctic Society of Australia
The Antarctican Society
Captain Cook Society
The Captain Scott Society
Frederick A. Cook Society
Friends of the Byrd Polar Research Center
Friends of Dundee Heritage Trust
Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute
Friends of the Wakes
Glacier Society
The James Caird Society
Montreal Antarctic Society
New Zealand Antarctic Society
Old Antarctic Explorers Association
The South Georgia Association
The South Georgia Heritage Trust
United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust / Friends of Antarctica
Some Polar Philatelic Groups
APS Membership Center
P. O. Box 300
Searsport, Maine 04974, USA.
Contacts: Charles Lagerbom, Membership Chairman.
Tel: 207-338-1790 ext 205
Fax:
E-mail: ampolars@prexar.com
Web: http://www.ampolarsociety.org
Membership information: Open to all. Annual dues: $15/year, overseas $17; Library $20, overseas $22; Annual Corporate $100; Life Membership $250, overseas $270.
Events / Activities: Bi-annual meetings at various locations. Meeting in 2000 at University of Colorado at Boulder (4-6 October). See 'Antarctic Events' elsewhere on this site.
Publications: The Polar Times, a semi-annual magazine that includes excerpts from recent news and magazine articles and items of interest, both Arctic and Antarctic, including book reviews, letters, conference notices, etc.
Purpose / Focus:
The American Polar Society was founded on November 29, 1934, to band together all persons interested in polar exploration.
[From the masthead of The Polar Times]
P.O. Box 13-098
Christchurch, New Zealand.
Contact: Chris Rudge, Secretary
Work Tel: +64 3 3841970
Home Tel: +64 3 3287730
Fax: +64 3 3287754
E-mail: Chris.Rudge@xtra.co.nz
Web: http://www.warbirdsite.com/aaps.html
Membership information: Contact the Secretary.
Events / Activities:
Publications:
Purpose / Focus:
The Antarctic Aviation Preservation Society (AAPS) is a society whose members are dedicated to the preservation of items of historical interest associated with Antarctic exploration involving New Zealand and aviation. The AAPS are also actively involved in research into any Antarctic exploration involving aviation.
Following incorporation in 1998, the Society is initially concerned with the recovery and restoration of the Fokker Super Universal Virginia which Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd took with him on his first expedition to Antarctica in 1928-30. Virginia was the first aircraft to land on the Antarctic mainland. It was wrecked during a storm when it was ripped from its tie-downs by a gust of wind estimated to be around 150 mph. The aircraft flew backwards for almost a kilometre before crashing back onto the surface of a frozen lake.
The Purposes of the Society are:
- To identify and locate any items of interest pertaining to Antarctic aviation.
- To determine ownership of such items and, where possible, to arrange transfer of ownership or equity to the Society.
- To adopt responsibility for such items.
- To collect, stabilize, preserve, restore and protect adopted artefacts.
- To arrange display of adopted artefacts in appropriate places of prominence in Christchurch and elsewhere.
- To raise funds through donations, sponsorship, publicity material, media rights and/or any other means.
- To research the history of Antarctic aviation.
- To prepare historical information and produce other material of interest for sale and/or distribution.
- To prepare and conduct lectures and presentations on the history of Antarctic aviation for educational, publicity or fund-raising purposes.
P.O. Box 76920
Washington, DC 20013, USA.
or
1630 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20009, USA
Contact: Beth Claudia Clark, Director
Tel: 202-234-2480
Fax: 202-387-4823
E-mail: info@asoc.org
Web: http://www.asoc.org
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: $30/year; Senior Citizen or Student, $20; Family, $50; Sustaining Member, $100 or more.
Events / Activities:
Publications: The Antarctica Project publishes three valuable 'Antarctica Resource Lists' for elementary-, middle-, and high-school students
listing appropriate books, films, CD-ROMs, study aids, teacher packets and magazines.
Purpose / Focus:
The only environmental organization in the world devoted exclusively to protecting Antarctica, this group is also a co-founder and supporter of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), which has more than 200 member conservation organizations in 50 countries. It lobbies national governments on behalf of conservation issues, and attends Antarctic Treaty System meetings as a certified Non-Governmental Observer (NGO).
[Courtesy Jeff Rubin]
International Antarctic Centre
Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport
Private Bag 4745
Christchurch, New Zealand.
Contact: Nigel Watson, Executive Director
Tel: +64-3-358 0212
Fax: +64-3-358 0244
E-mail: f.wills.aht@antarcticanz.govt.nz
Web: http://www.heritage-antarctica.org
Membership information: Open to all. AHT has three levels of membership for those wishing to be associated with the Trust and help support our work: Antarctic Explorer's ($100 pa), Antarctic Silver Explorer's ($500 pa) and Gold Explorer's ($1,000) per annum). Check out the Trust's website for the benefits of each category.
Events / Activities:
Publications: Newsletter, Heritage Hearsay,published 2
times annually. The AHT issued David Harrowfield's excellent book, Icy Heritage: Historic Sites of the Ross Sea Region. Also available is the Heritage Management Plan,and Conservation Report for Shackleton's Hut, Cape Royds.
Purpose / Focus:
Our Vision: Inspiring the future by conserving the legacy of discovery, adventure and endurance.
Our Mission: Conserving in perpetuity the human heritage in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica for the benefit of all by demonstrating leadership, innovation and professionalism.
Formed in 1987, the Trust, operating from the Antarctic gateway city of Christchurch, New Zealand, is governed by a board of international trustees including senior representatives of the New Zealand Government, the British High Commissioner to New Zealand and the United States Ambassador to New Zealand. Patrons include Sir Edmund Hillary and the Governor General of New Zealand. The Trust also works in collaboration with the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust.
The huts the Trust is striving to conserve are:
• Cape Adare Huts, Northern Victoria Land (British Southern Cross Expedition 1898-1900 led by Carsten Borchgrevink)In 2002, in view of the threat facing these buildings HRH Princess Anne, as guest of AHT, launched the Trust's international heritage restoration project to restore the huts. Internationally recognised experts in their relevant fields have been contracted to work on the project under the leadership of a professional project management company, Arrow International.• Discovery Hut, Ross Island (National Antarctic Expedition 1901-04, led by Commander R F Scott)
• Nimrod Hut, Ross Island (British Antarctic (Nimrod) Expedition 1907-09 led by Ernest Shackleton)
• Terra Nova Hut, Ross Island (British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913 led by Captain R F Scott)
P.O. Box 243
Pymble, New South Wales 2073, Australia.
Contact: Stephen Martin, President; Jennifer Gillott, Secretary.
Tel: 61-2-9981-5809
Fax: 61-2-9449-8987
E-mail: dgore@laurel.ocs.mq.edu.au
Web: http://www.es.mq.edu.au/physgeog/antsoc.htm [Seems no longer to be an active site.]
Membership information: Open to all. Membership 1 July-30 June. Dues: A$30/year; Corporate A$60; Pensioners and Students A$20. Cheque or money order.
Events / Activities: Five meetings a year.
Publications: Publishes a quarterly newsletter, Antarctic News & Views, that contains Antarctic news and views, letters to the Editor, and feature articles from special writers. A calendar helps readers keep informed of forthcoming events. The Newsletter is available free to members. Tables of contents are available for issue 45 (1996) onwards.
An information booklet which contains sections on Antarctic geography, fur seals and a fold-out map, is also available to members and the public for A$6 (post included within Australia) and A$9 (overseas Airmail). This booklet is great background for HSC students taking the Fragile Planet or Fragile Environment options in Geography.
Purpose / Focus:
What we do:
- promote and sustain interest on all matters relating to Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions; and
- interest people in the exploration of and research in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions.
To these ends the Society:
- produces a newsletter, 'Antarctic News & Views', which is published four times a year;
- holds public meetings - five are held each year in Sydney; and
- assists members obtain research grants to study Antarctic and sub-Antarctic matters.
Who can join or attend meetings?
Anyone! The Society is open to enthusiasts from all walks of life; all you need is an interest. We have a regular series of meetings with guest speakers who talk on a broad range of topics from history to science and tourism. Why not come along? All talks and meetings are held in the Meeting Room of the Dougherty Centre, 7 Victor Street, Chatswood (Sydney), 7.30 pm.
How to contact the Society
Correspondence regarding policy and specific issues should be addressed to the President; membership and general enquiries to the Secretary.
[From the Society's website]
P. O. Box 325
Port Clyde, ME 04855, USA
Contact: Paul C. Dalrymple, Treasurer
Tel: 207-372-6523
Fax:
E-mail: pcdal@adelphia.net
Web:
Membership information: Open to anyone with an interest in the Antarctic. Dues: $10/year. Overseas $15.
Events / Activities: Occasional gatherings and talks generally in the Washington, D.C. area.
Publications: Four newsletters a year.
Purpose / Focus:
The Antarctican Society was founded in 1959, and incorporated as a nonprofit educational and cultural organization under the laws of the District of Columbia in 1964. Much of the original inspiration came from the late Ambassador Paul C. Daniels, principal negotiator of the Antarctic Treaty, and from a group of dedicated men and women. Former presidents have included such distinguished Antarcticans as the late Dr. Carl R. Eklund, the late Dr. Paul A. Siple, the late Rear Admiral David M. Tyree, the late Dr. Albert P. Crary, and the late Dr. Henry M. Dater.
The Articles of Incorporation provide that the Society shall unite in a common organization persons interested in Antarctica to facilitate friendly and informal exchanges of information and views on Antarctica, and encourage interest in, and interpret effectively, the increasing importance of Antarctica. The Society does not engage in or sponsor any political activity.
The Society now has 650 members, 26 percent of whom live in the Washington DC area where meetings are held approximately six times each year. The highlight of the year is a Memorial Lecture by a distinguished scientist, usually an Antarctican. Newsletters are published prior to each meeting.
[From a 1992 flyer]
Contact: Mr Alwyn Peel, Honorary Secretary, 13 Cowdry Close, Thornhill, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 0LW, UK.
Tel: 01924 505724
Fax:
E-mail: alwyn.peel@ntlworld.com
Web: http://www.CaptainCookSociety.com
Membership information: Open to all. Membership: £8/calendar year. US membership: $20/calendar year. Apply to Mr Brian P. Sandford, 173 Minuteman Drive, Concord, MA 01742. E-mail: jeanmtm@ix.netcom.com. Australian membership: A$30/calendar year. Apply to Mr Ken Sheahan 1/10 Berkeley Street, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia. New Zealand membership: NZ$30/calendar year. Apply to Mr John Robson, 232b Old Farm Road, Hamilton, New Zealand. E-mail: johnrobs@voyager.co.nz.
Events / Activities: The major activities of the Captain Cook Society include the production of a quarterly journal; a biennial residential weekend; occasional day meetings; an annual auction; news of all Cook related events and publications; displays and lectures by members and invited guests; and support for many Cook activities.
Publications: The journal of the Captain Cook Society is entitled "Cook's Log". First produced in 1975, it has been maintained as a quarterly journal in A4 format, issued free to all members. The "Log" contains articles on many aspects concerning the life of James Cook and those associated with him. His ships; the many places he visited and flora and fauna seen; portraits and paintings by his artists; museums, monuments and statues. News of Cook-related events, book reviews and stamp issues linked to Cook, are regular columns. Many members contribute. In 1981, Volume 4 comprised 36 pages. In 1989, Volume 12 had 72 pages. In 1995, Volume 18 had 118 pages!
Purpose / Focus:
The Captain Cook Society is a society of Captain Cook enthusiasts, of whom many are keen philatelists. It has an international membership, with members in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Currently there are over 350 active, of whom four hold office as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Editor.
The Captain Cook Society was formed in 1975 with Officers in the USA and Australia. Currently all four Officers live in the UK. There is also an Australian branch of the Captain Cook Society with their own Officers and producing their own journal, but all are full members of the Captain Cook Society.
[From the Captain Cook Society brochure and website]
Contact: Lt. Cdr. Julian Salisbury, Press & Public Relations Officer, 24 Nant Fawr Road, Cyncoed, Cardiff, CF23 6JR, UK.
Tel: (029) 2075 4830.
Fax:
E-mail:
Web: http://www.captainscottsociety.co.uk
Membership information: Membership by election (male only). Annual subscription: £25. The Society is restricted to approximately 100 members. The membership fees provide the funds for the annual Awards. Enquiries concerning membership should be directed to the Membership Secretary, Captain Scott Society, c/o Apple Tree Cottage, Tredodridge, Pendoylan, Vale of Glamorgan CF72 8JY, UK.
Events / Activities: Annual dinner on the 13th of June (date of last dinner given to the Terra Nova expedition prior to leaving Britain); Christmas Service and Lunch; celebration of Scott's birthday; other occasional outings. Makes annual "The Spirit of Adventure" Award.
Publications: Two newsletters a year. Various and occasional member mailings.
Purpose / Focus:
On the 15th June, 1910, the British Antarctic Expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, CVO RN, made its final departure from Cardiff, leaving United Kingdom shores for the journey south in the ship SY "Terra Nova" RYS. The expedition ended tragically and created one of the great legends of adventure and heroism of the twentieth century.
The Captain Scott Society exists to perpetuate the memory of Captain Scott and his Expedition and their association with the City of Cardiff.
The objects of the Society are also to promote charitable activities with particular emphasis on the spirit of adventure. It celebrates the anniversary of that original visit of the expedition to Cardiff by commemorating the farewell dinner for Scott and his Expedition which was hosted by the business community in the Royal Hotel. The Society seeks to perpetuate Scott's courageous and heroic ideals by making an annual "Spirit of Adventure Award" of £1,000 to an individual or group who are committed to an endeavour which exemplifies the qualities so nobly demonstrated by Scott and the members of his 1910 - 1913 British Antarctic Expedition.
The "Sir Vivian Fuchs Youth Award" worth £250 was added in 1992 and more recently the "Terra Nova Challenge Award" for the disabled worth £500.
P. O. Box 11421
Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA.
or
Sullivan County Historical Museum
P. O. Box 247
Hurleyville, NY 12747, USA.
Contact: Russell W. Gibbons, Executive Director and Editor.
Tel: 412-782-0171
Fax: 412-784-8801
E-mail: frederick@cookpolar.org
Web: http://www.cookpolar.org
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: Individual $10/year. Couple $20/year. Family $25/year.
Events / Activities: Occasional meetings and sponsorship of conferences.
Publications: Membership News, published three times a year and Polar Priorities, the annual journal of the Society.
Purpose / Focus:
The Society is a non-profit, educational organization which holds an annual meeting, publishes a membership newsletter three times a year, and an annual journal of professional papers and scholarly work. The Society maintains the Frederick A. Cook Collection and exhibit in Hurleyville, NY and assists writers, scholars, and individuals seeking information on the life and work of Frederick Albert Cook (1856-1940).
[From the Society's membership application]
The FREDERICK A. COOK SOCIETY is a nonprofit, educational society, organized to gain recognition for the scientific and geographic accomplishments of the American physician and explorer, Dr. Frederick Albert Cook (1865-1940). The Society was founded in early 1940 by onetime exploration associates and friends of the explorer, as the Cook Arctic Club. It was reorganized in 1956 as the Frederick A. Cook Society during the centennial observance of his birth and in 1974 was incorporated under the laws of the state of New York.
[From the Society's website]
Byrd Polar Research Center
The Ohio State University
1090 Carmack Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1002 USA
Contact: Lynn Lay, Goldthwait Polar Library, Acting Secretary for Friends.
Tel: 614-292-6715
Fax: 614-292-4697
E-mail: lay.1@osu.edu
Web: http://bprc.osu.edu/about/friends.php
Membership information: Open to all. Dues (2000): $25/year. Student $10/year. Donors who contribute $100-249 receive the "New Polar Explorer" award. Donors who contribute $250 or more receive the "Old Polar Explorer"award. Make checks payable to The Ohio State University.
Events / Activities: Membership includes receipt of Ice Sheets, and regular meeting announcements. Friends members are invited to attend all BPRC functions, including special lectures and meetings and are welcome to use the Goldthwait Polar Library.
Publications: Members receive Ice Sheets, the Center's newsletter.
Purpose / Focus:
Support group for the Byrd Polar Research Center. Donations and membership dues from the Friends organization assist the Byrd Polar Research Center in supporting ongoing research needs. In the past, Friends helped to defray some of the costs incurred when hosting meetings and workshops at the Center. The group also supports the Goldthwait Polar Library by assisting in funding acquisitions.
[From Friends material and its website]
Verdant Works
West Hendersons Wynd
Dundee DD1 5BT
Scotland, UK.
Contact:
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail:
Web: http://www.rrsdiscovery.com/
Membership information: Open to all. Dues (2004): £10/year (1 April to 31 March). Write The Membership Secretary at the above address.
Events / Activities: Membership benefits includes 1) A membership card and information pack on joining; 2) Priviledged year-round admission to Discovery Point, RRS Discovery and Verdant Works; 3) Discount offers; 4) A copy of every issue of the Trust's magazine, The Shuttle; 5) News of and a standing invitation to a variety of social activities arranged by the Friends' Executive Committee; 6) The chance to help actively in the Trust's exciting projects; 7) Access to Friends Library at Discovery Point.
Publications: Members receive The Shuttle, the Trust's newsletter.
Purpose / Focus:
Support group for Discovery Point, the RRS Discovery and Verdant Works.
[From the Friends flyer]
Scott Polar Research Institute
University of Cambridge
Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER, UK.
Contact: Ms Ann Bean, Friends Membership Secretary
Tel: 01223 336552 (9 am -- 12 noon)
Fax: 01223 336549
E-mail: friendsofspri@aol.com
Web: http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/friends
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: £15 annual individual membership; £20 annual family membership; £5 annual student membership; £17.50 annual overseas membership; £250 life membership.
Events / Activities: Occasional gatherings and talks generally in Cambridge area.
Publications: Polar Bytes newsletter. Friends receive the SPRI Review, the annual report of the Institute.
Purpose / Focus:
The Association was established in March 1946 with two purposes: first, to provide a means whereby those interested in the promotion of polar exploration and research might assist the Scott Polar Research Institute (founded in 1920); second, to keep members in touch with the Institute and present polar activities.
The objectives of the Friends are to assist in the development of the Scott Polar Research Institute as a centre of excellence in polar scholarship and research; an international information centre dedicated to the collection, organisation and dissemination of knowledge about the Arctic and Antarctic; a centre for the collection, maintenance and display of materials relating to the history of the polar regions.
The Friends have provided valuable funding to help many aspects of the Institute's work. Subscriptions are mainly used to help with the acquisition and preservation of material for the Institute's archives. They also provide help for the Library, Museum and Picture Library in other ways, particularly the cases of special need that cannot be met by other sources. You are encouraged to join the Friends and help support this eminent research institute.
[From a Friends brochure]
Gilbert White's House & The Oates Museum
The Wakes, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire GU34 3JH, UK.
Contact: The Membership Secretary
Tel: 01420 511275
Fax:
E-mail:
Web:
Membership information: Open to all. Dues (1 July - 30 June): Adult £5. Family £8.
Events / Activities: Occasional gatherings and talks.
Publications: Regular newsletter.
Purpose / Focus:
The House and Garden are open daily from 11 am to 5pm 1 January to 24th December.
Gilbert White's house, known locally as The Wakes, lies at the foot of the great beech-clad hanger which dominates the pleasant village of Selborne: It was the home for most of his life of the 18th century writer and naturalist the Rev. Gilbert White, author of the celebrated Natural History of Selborne.
The house has undergone many changes since it was built In the 15th century and Is now a fascinating museum commemorating not only Gilbert White but also the Oates family, one of whose members founded the Trust which manages the Museum. Because both families are now commemorated within the house, it was decided to call the Friends "The Friends of The Wakes" as being less cumbersome than "The Friends of Gilbert White's House and the Oates Museum."
The older part of the house is furnished and decorated in the style of the 18th century. Some of Gilbert White's own belongings, such as his fine embroidered bedhangings are on display, and family portraits hang in his Great Parlour. Perhaps the most exciting exhibit is the manuscript of his world-famous book.
The Oates Museum, in the newer part of the house, commemorates Captain Lawrence Oates who accompanied Captain Scott to the South Pole, and relics of their ill-fated expedition are on display. A second exhibition is devoted to the Victorian explorer Frank Oates whose journeys took him to South America and East Africa.
The garden, which Is one of the best documented small gardens of the 18th century, is being restored and planted with the shrubs and flowers White cultivated. Some of its orgInal features, such as his stone ha-ha and sundial, still survive and the quiet beauty of the garden, with its view across parkland to Selborne Hanger, is unsurpassed.
There Is a well-stocked shop with an excellent range of books and attractive and unusual gifts. Light lunches, as well as tea and coffee, may be obtained In The Tea Parlour, where the food served is cooked to 18th century recipes.
THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING A FRIEND
1. An opportunity to be involved In future plans for the development of the Oates Museum and Gilbert White's House and Garden.
2. Free entry to the House and Garden.
3. 10% reduction on certain goods in the Shop.
4. A regular Newsletter giving details of new projects and activities.
5. Opportunities to attend musical evenings and talks and join outings to places of Interest.
6. An opportunity to join the Wakes Weeders and actively help In the restoration of the Garden. All Weeders receive a free monthly Garden Newsletter in addition to the regular Newsletter.
[From the Friends brochure]
P. O. Box 1419
Bridgeport, CT 06601-1419, USA.
or
905 Honeyspot Road
Stratford, CT 06615, USA.
Contacts: Ben Koether, Chairman
Tel: 203-375-6638. Toll-free: 866-423-7529.
Fax: 203-386-0416
E-mail: benkoether@mindspring.com
Web: http://www.glaciersociety.org
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: An extensive range of dues/donations from $25 to $25,000.
Events / Activities:
Publications: Members receive The Icebreaking News, the Society's newsletter.
Purpose / Focus:
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Glacier Society is to restore and operate the USS/USCG GLACIER as a functioning museum ship honoring all who served in the exploration of the North and South Poles. Both in Port and while underway, the Glacier Society will provide hands-on training to children and adults while teaching the history of exploration of the Poles. She is one of only a few United States Ships to serve under the colors of both the US Navy and the US Coast Guard.
MISSION
The GLACIER will operate as a USCG certified "school ship" that has the following missions:
- Serve as an example of the best of America in action: military services, science, citizens, and government working together for the common good.
- Serve as a learning platform for K-12 students while in Port.
- Serve as a scientific platform for university students; this will include real-time Internet links to active existing polar research stations.
- Conduct post-graduate and adult learning programs at sea.
- Serve as a major tourist attraction for the GLACIER's home port of Bridgeport, CT.
- Serve as a working ship, conducting seagoing voyages for the general public.
[From the Society's newsletter]
Contact: Mrs Pippa Hare, Honorary Secretary, School Farm, Benenden, Kent TN17 4EU, UK.
Tel: 01580 240 755
Fax: 01580 240 960
E-mail: jamescairdsoc@aol.com
Web: http://www.jamescairdsociety.com
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: £15 annually for UK residents paying by banker's order or £45 UK / $70 US for 3 years or £80 UK / $125 US for 6 years.
Events / Activities: Two dinner programs annually at Dulwich College, London SE21 7LD, UK, usually in May and October.
Publications: Annual newsletter and occasional mailings.
Purpose / Focus:
The James Caird Society, established in 1994 and a registered charity, is the only institution that exists to preserve the memory, honour the remarkable feats of discovery in the Antarctic and commend the outstanding qualities of leadership associated with the name of Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922).
Lord Shackleton, son of the explorer, was the Society's Life President until his death in 1994. His daughter, the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, has been President since its inception. Its founder and first chairman was Harding Dunnett.
The Society has a membership of over 500 worldwide. Most of the support comes from the United Kingdom but the total includes over 120 in North America with others in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Zambia.
Shackleton has come to the fore recently as the world has recognised the remarkable qualities of leadership that he displayed during his ill-fated Endurance expedition. How he maintained his men's morale while stranded for many months on the ice and during the rescue, eventually bringing all of them home safe and sound - is now seen as an achievement unique in the history of exploration.
Recent books about his expeditions have stimulated the public's imagination as have reprints of earlier works. One such is the biography of the James Caird entitled Shackleton's Boat by Harding McGregor Dunnett. A video entitled Shackleton's Boat is now available.
Cruises to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, now very popular, have also played a part.
The James Caird has recently been the centrepiece of an Arctic-Antarctic exhibition in Bonn, Germany, and of the Endurance exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. A feature film, Endurance, is being planned which will bring this epic story to a worldwide audience, and finally a new exhibition, Shackleton, the Antarctic and Endurance at Dulwich College (31st October 2000-25th February 2001).
The Aims of the Society: The James Caird Society's aims are mainly educational. Through lectures, newspaper and magazine articles, radio and television features and similar means the Society seeks to preserve the name and reputation of that greatest of Antarctic explorers of the 'Heroic Age', Sir Ernest Shackleton.
The Society maintains close liaison with other institutions concerned with the Antarctic. These include the British Antarctic Survey, the Royal Geographical Society, the Scott Polar Research Institute, the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust, the Falkland Islands Association, the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich and similar institutions overseas.
To enable members to meet one another, the Society holds two Evening Meetings annually, when Members and their guests dine beside the James Caird at Dulwich College, followed by a lecture on some subject of interest. These meetings are usually held in May and October.
An annual Newsletter circulated to members keeps them in touch with activities and developments.
[From the Society's brochure]
Contact: Valmar Kurol, President / Editor, 63 Courtney Drive, Montreal West, Quebec, Canada H4X 1M7.
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail: mtl.ant.soc@sympatico.ca
Web:
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: None to my knowledge.
Events / Activities: None to my knowledge.
Publications: A fine and informative periodic newsletter, The Seventh Continent.
Purpose / Focus:
Dedicated to providing information about Antarctica with a Canadian perspective, the society was founded in 1994. [Courtesy Jeff Rubin]
National Secretary
P.O. Box 404
Christchurch 8015, New Zealand
Contact: Margaret A. Bradshaw, President marga@chch.planet.org.nz
Tel: +64 03) 377 3173
Fax: +64 03) 365 2252
E-mail: secretary@antarctic.org.nz
Web: http://www.antarctic.org.nz
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: Airmail: NZ$50 New Zealand; NZ$55, A$40 Australia/South Pacific; NZ$60, US$32 North America/East Asia; NZ$65, £20 Europe; NZ$65, US$35 Worldwide. Surface: NZ$45 New Zealand; NZ$50, A$35 Australia/South Pacific; NZ$55, US$30 North America/East Asia; NZ$60, £18 Europe; NZ$65, US$35 Worldwide.
Events / Activities: Occasional meetings are held by the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago branches.
Publications: Members receive Antarctic which is published each March, June, September and December. It is unique in Antarctic literature as it is the only periodical which provides regular and up to date news of the activities of all nations at work in the Antarctic and Sub-antarctic. It has worldwide circulation.
Members also receive a regular newsletter called Polar Whispers, an annual Polar Log, which records the decisions made by the Society's Councul at its AGM, catalogues of the Society's mail-order bookshop 'The Polar Bookshop' and occasional brochures from the Society's 'Sales Stall'.
Purpose / Focus:
"The New Zealand Antarctic Society Inc was formed in 1933. It comprises New Zealanders and overseas friends, many of whom have been to the Antarctic and all of whom are interested in some phase of Antarctic exploration, history, development or research."
[All the above from the September 2000 issue of Polar Whispers.]
4615 Balmoral Drive
Pensacola, FL 32504, USA.
Contacts: Jim Eblen, President
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail: penguin64@worldnet.att.net
Web: http://www.oaea.net
Membership information: Present and former members of Operations Highjump, Windmill, Deep Freeze, etc., are eligible. Associate membership open to those who do not qualify for Member status but who desire to support the goals of the association. Dues: $10 per year. One-time enrollment fee of $2.
Events / Activities:
Publications: Explorer's Gazette, is the Association's quarterly online newsletter, edited by Billy-Ace Baker. The Editor Emeritus is Jim O'Connell.
Purpose / Focus:
"One of the major goals of the association is to initiate public exhibition of artifacts collected over the years by OAEs. This also includes lobbying Congress and the National Science Foundation to release a ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft to become the centerpiece of a proposed Antarctic museum. Additional goals include assistance in the education efforts of those who display an interest in studying Antarctica."
[From a notice in The Polar Times, Vol 2, No 17, Spring-Summer 2001]
Membership Secretary (Europe, Asia, Africa, South America)
The South Georgia Association
Scott Polar Research Institute
Lensfield Road
Cambridge CB1 2ER, UK.
Membership Secretary (USA and Canada)
The South Georgia Association
3 Ridgeley Terrace
Jamestown, New York 14710-2129, USA.
Contacts:
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail: secretary@southgeorgiaassociation.org or membership@southgeorgiaassociation.org
Web: http://www.southgeorgiaassociation.org
Membership information: £15 annually or £50 for a five year subscription.
Events / Activities: "To further our objectives, we envisage one or two meetings a year in Britain, plus a visit to an organisation, ship or site of South Georgia interest. We intend to produce a newsletter twice yearly, which will report on events in South Georgia and developments which will affect the Island, and have features on its history, wildlife and other topics. We shall draw up a full programme in response to the wishes and suggestions of our membership. Finally we shall circulate a list of our members."
Publications: Members receive 'The South Georgia Association Newsletter' twice a year, in November and April.
Purpose / Focus:
"To encourage interest in, and concern for South Georgia in the United Kingdom and other countries. To encourage the study of South Georgia and promote the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage. To promote contacts and encourage fellowship among those who have lived and worked in or around South Georgia, have visited or are interested in the Island."
[From an e-mail (30 October 2001) announcement of the formation of the Association]
The inaugural meeting of the Association was held in London at the Linnean Society, Piccadilly, on 14 December.
23 Springfield
Dundee DD1 4JE, UK.
Contact: Alison Neil, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +44 1382 386833
Fax: +44 1382 388159
E-mail: alison.stewart@sght.org
Web: http://www.sght.org
Membership information: Open to all. Apparently there are no dues although donations are solicited.
Events / Activities: Apparently none.
Publications: Apparently none.
Purpose / Focus:
"The South Georgia Heritage Trust was established to raise funds for two primary reasons.
• Help efforts to conserve and protect those species of indigenous fauna and flora that breed and grow on South Georgia or in the surrounding seas and to raise awareness of threatened species.
• Assist efforts to preserve the historical heritage of South Georgia including selected historical sites of importance and to assist the South Georgia Museum in order to increase international awareness of the lessons and achievements of the human history of South Georgia.
The Trust, a Scottish registered charity, has a board of eight International Trustees, independent of Government agencies that direct the Trust. Trust funds are used in pursuit of Trust's purposes."
Source: From the SGHT website.
Kingcoed Farm
Usk, NP15 1DS, UK.
Contact: Ms Rachel Morgan, Administration Officer
Tel: 01291 690305
Fax: 01291 690305
E-mail: info@ukaht.org
Web: http://www.ukaht.org
Membership information: Open to all. Dues: Under 21 (£15/US$25/year); Annual (£20/US$35/year. Life Membership: £150/US$200.
Events / Activities: Occasional gatherings and talks.
Publications: Bergy Bits -- Newsletter of the Friends of Antarctica (members) appears twice a year.
Purpose / Focus:
The objectives (of the UKAHT) are: To promote educational initiatives, especially among young people, to stimulate interest in the scientific and human history of Antarctica and their relevance to the modern world.
To conserve selected scientific bases in Antarctica for the education and enjoyment of visitors.
To conserve the bases used by Scott and Shackleton by helping New Zealand's Antarctic Heritage Trust.
To help with the acquisition and preservation of Antarctic historical artefacts.
To assist this work through the coalition of national Antarctic Heritage Trusts, Heritage Antarctica.
Formed in 1993 and opened to membership in 1994, the UKAHT works closely with the NZ Antarctic Heritage Trust, Scott Polar Research Institute, the British Antarctic Survey, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other Antarctic-related organisations.
[from the 1999 brochure]
Note: Members and friends in the US may now make tax-deductible contributions over $250 to the UKAHT through The American Fund for Charities. Contact the UKAHT for information.
For those interested in collecting stamps from or about Antarctica, there are several organizations of interest. All publish newsletters or journals.
- American Society of Polar Philatelists. Secretary, Alan Warren, P. O. Box 39, Exton, PA 19341-0039, USA. E-mail: alancar@comcast.net.
- Union Française de Philatelie Polaire - SATA. C/o Gerald Brandel, 17 route de Flanville, F 57645 Montoy - Flanville, France (newsletter in French).
- Sociedad Espanola de Filatelia Polar - SEFP. Apartado de Correos 7, 43530 Alcanar (Tarragona), Spain (newsletter in Spanish).
- Polar Postal History Society of Great Britain. C/o Margery Wharton, 18 Millfield Rise, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 1QY, UK.
- Polarphilatelie e.V. Dieter Querndt, Postfach 20-01-12, 99040 Erfurt, Germany (newsletter in German).
[Courtesy Jeff Rubin]