History of Antarctica
Visit our History Timeline for a complete visual layout of Antarctica's fascinating past. From the continent's first sighting through explorer accounts, station building, claims, treaties and tragedies.
Shackleton's Endurance
Online Exhibit
Within eighty five miles
of their destination, the
Antarctic continent their
ship Endurance was
trapped and slowly crushed by
pack ice. With no
communication to the outside
world their ordeal would last
twenty months. More >
Online Exhibit
Within eighty five miles
of their destination, the
Antarctic continent their
ship Endurance was
trapped and slowly crushed by
pack ice. With no
communication to the outside
world their ordeal would last
twenty months. More >
This expedition successfully achieved two main objectives; the very first scientific research program carried out in this part of the globe and also the first expedition that spent the polar night caught among the ice blocks. More >
HISTORY TOPICS
Mawson's Will
Sir Douglas Mawson (1882-1958) is Australia's most renowned Antarctic scientist and explorer.
In 1911 Mawson organized and commanded the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE 1911-14) and was the sole survivor of a three-man sledging journey that ended tragically. Mawson was knighted in recognition of his leadership of this expedition.
Patience Camp Photo
"It is now January, 1916, and still the pack showed no sign of breaking up."Ernest Shackleton