Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The Lady Franklin Bay Arctic Expedition (1881-84) and the First International Polar Year  (LFBE 1881-84)

Outline
An exhibit will provide an overview of the IPY 2007-2008, and feature (in artifacts, words and pictures), the International Lady Franklin Bay Arctic Expedition, with an emphasis on its scientific and geographical achievements. This was the first time the United States participated in an interntional scientific enterprise, and the Expedition achieved its goals by bringing back a wealth of scientific and natural history data. Artifacts once belonging to Brigadier General David Legge Brainard (1856-1946) will be prominent in the exhibit, and will serve to humanize the Expedition, particularly for the following reasons: 1) He was the only survivor of the three-man sledge party that achieved a farthest north record. Brainard had traveled further north, east and west in the Arctic than any other human being up until that time - and lived to tell about it. 2) Due in large part to his energy in carrying out his duties as First Sergeant of enlisted men and Commissary Sergeant, six of the 25-member Expedition survived until rescued. 3) Brainard was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the cavlary in October 1886, "as a recognition of the gallant and meritorious services rendered by him in the Arctic." At the time of his death in 1946, he was the only living officer of the Army, active or retired, holding a commission awarded for specific distinguished services in the labors of peace. Recognition came from Great Britain a few months before Brainard received his commission, when the Royal Geographical Society awarded him its Back Grant, in the form of a gold testimonial watch and diploma. He was the last survivor of the LFBE. Several items from the Brainard Collection, held in my possession, will be on display, including, but not limited to: 1) Explorer's Medal of the Explorers Club - awarded in 1929, it recognized the achievement of setting a farthest north record during the Expedition (Brainard was one of the founder's of the Explorers Club) 2) Inuit Bone Knife - brought back from the Arctic and featuring several blue ink stains, evidently from the printing press at Fort Conger 3) Brainard's LFBE Calling Card and his monogramed card case 4) Tin type photograph in a period case, showing a full length view of Sgt. Brainard in full dress uniform of the US Cavalry (dated 1879), plus two similar carte de visite images 5) A large albumen photograph of the LFBE display at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Illinois 6) Brainard's two books (The Outpost of the Lost and Six Came Back), inscribed to his wife and dated 1940. Also, a copy of the International Polar Expedition Report of the Proceedings of the United States Expedition to Lady Franklin Bay, etc., which fully details the Expedition's achievements. 7) Several official photographs from the National Archives related to the LFBE 8) Original letters written by General Greely to Brainard, one of which relates to the Charles P. Daly Medal awarded to Brainard by the American Geographical Society in 1925 "...in recognition of his notable achievements on the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition under Greely in 1881-1884. General (then Sergeant) Brainard took a leading part in the exploratory work of the expedition."

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The United States participation in its first international scientific enterprise and the rich scientific harvest of the LFBE has always been overshadowed by the human tragedy of Expedition. And yet, saving the scientific results was the primary goal its members on their retreat from Fort Conger, right up until their rescue. By connecting the past to the present, the exhibit allows viewers obtain a firm historical foundation for the IPY 2007-2008.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
No field work is involved in this project. The exhibit is planned for the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?

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?

How will the project be organised and managed?
I will organize and manage the LFBE exhibit, and coordinate it with the University of Central Florida Libraries.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The target audience for this exhibit is the general public, and my hope is to arrange for public lectures at or near the site of the exhibit. To this end, it will be extremely beneficial to obtain television and newspaper coverage as part of the project, and I already have some strong connections to news organizations.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?

How is it proposed to fund the project?
I will primarily fund the exhibit, but will also seek support from the University of Central Florida and the Florida Chapter of the Explorers Club.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Glenn Stein




USA

Tel:
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email: no

Other project members and their affiliation