Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

BEYOND THE POLE: ROBERT E. PEARY AND HISTORY OF AMERICAN ARCTIC EXPLORATION  (BEYOND THE POLE)

Outline
Abstract:The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum is spearheading a major research and exhibition program to mark the hundredth anniversary of Robert E. Peary’s 1908-09 North Pole Expedition. The exhibition will place Peary’s career, late 19th and early 20th century American exploration endeavors, and the race to the North Pole in social, economic, historic, political, and scientific perspective. Also, it will examine the impact of northern exploration activities on the American public and the Inughuit of Northwest Greenland. A symposium, various publications, complementary exhibits, a film, undergraduate and K-12 education programs are being considered in order to expand on the themes of the exhibition and reach beyond museum walls.Description:The controversies surrounding Robert E. Peary and the accomplishments of the 1908-09 North Pole Expedition have a life of their own. Articles and books defend or vilify Peary and Frederick Cook; argue that Matthew Henson was the first person to stand at the North Pole; or assert that the North Pole was never reached by anyone in the Cook or Peary parties. Authors examine the psychological weaknesses of key individuals; try to determine whether the reported sledding speeds could be covered and the navigation accomplished; and scrutinize explorers’ journals, calculations, and photographs looking for clues that might prove or disprove claims. Very few scholars have endeavored to place the North Pole story in historical context.The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum is planning a major program focused on placing the American endeavors to explore the Arctic and “claim” the North Pole in cultural and historical perspective, while also examining the impact of this activity on the American public and the Inughuit of Northwest Greenland. To accomplish this will require a research initiative to understand (1) the full sweep of Peary’s career, including his interest in science, anthropology, and engineering, (2) economic, political, and social contexts in which various nations, and in particular the United States, sought to explore and lay claim to the northernmost regions of the Northern Hemisphere, (3) the development of scientific investigations as part of northern exploration initiatives, and (4) relationships between northern indigenous populations and the Westerners who arrived at their shores. Peary’s various accomplishments, their connections to the national and international pressures that propelled him and others to venture into unknown northern parts of the globe, the evolving field of northern scientific research, and the complex nature of Inughuit-Explorer relations are compelling narratives that need to be told, in order for the general public to understand late 19th and early 20th century exploration and how it has shaped us as a people. What better time to place Peary, the race for the North Pole, and our evolving understanding of the Arctic in proper historical perspective than the hundredth anniversary of the 1908-09 Expedition and the celebration of the International Polar Year?

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The overall goals of the project are (1) to broaden the discussion about American Arctic exploration, fostering new research, exhibition, and publication initiatives to focus on neglected exploration topics and overlooked research; and (2) to launch a series of outreach initiatives to better acquaint the public with how American Arctic exploration helped shape the nation and the contemporary relevance of the North.A key component will be inclusion of Inughuit in the program and presentation of their perspective of northern exploration and its impact on their communities. Roles of women, such as Josephine Peary and various Inughuit women will also be highlighted.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The project will include the Greenland National Museum and Archives and the Thule Museum, as well as Lyle Dick, a Parks Canada researcher Discussions with the German polar exploration research community are under way regarding possible collaboration or at least coordination

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Most work will involve visits to archives and museums, including the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Explorers Club, Scott Polar, Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, Field Museum of Natural History, National Archives, Library of Congress, Hawthorne Cottage and the Newfoundland Provincial Archives in Canada, Thule Museum and Greenland National Museum.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 01/2005 –1/2007 research, planning, writing, designing      10/2007 opening various exhibits, symposium      10/2008-10/2010 various exhibitions on view, publication of various works 06/2008 – 07/2008
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
None

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Travel will be on commercial airlines and college or project vehicles. Greenland travel will be piggybacked with LeMoine’s Inglefield Land project (see her IPY proposal).

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No: American Embassy in Denmark has nominated Thule Museum and Greenland National Museum for participation in a grant competition supporting international exchanges between museums.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes
This project is an outgrowth of ongoing research of LeMoine, Kaplan, as well as collaborators such as Dick, who have been studying explorer-Inughuit contact and its ramifications. The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum has been working with Inughuit communities on oral history and photographic identification projects for decades.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Kaplan and LeMoine, based at the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, Bowdoin College, Maine, USA will coordinate the project. A steering committee is being formed that will include key personnel from collaborative institutions.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
A symposium and major exhibition program will be launched, as will various outreach initiatives focused on undergraduates and K-12 students. These include courses, a series of Family Days, exhibition tours, slide packets, and web pages..

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Photographic identifications and oral histories will be archived at The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and at relevant institutions in Canada and Greenland

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding will be sought from NSF, NEH, ICOM and other granting agencies, such as the National Geographic Society, which has a long-standing interest in this region.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Susan A Kaplan
The Peary-MacMillan Museum and Arctic Studies Center
Bowdoin College
9500 College Station, Brunswick, Maine
04011-8495
USA

Tel: +1 207 725 3289
Mobile:
Fax: +1 207 725 3499
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information