Arctic Exploration
For centuries, adventurers and scientists have braved the Arctic, uncovering its mysteries and mapping its vast landscapes. From Viking voyages to modern climate research, exploration has shaped our understanding of the region’s history, environment, and future challenges.
Arctic Cartography
From mythical medieval maps to satellite precision, Arctic cartography has evolved alongside human exploration. Mapping this shifting landscape reveals the intersection of science, history, and geopolitics in the face of climate change.
The Russian and American Frontiers Along the North Pacific and Arctic Oceans
Across three centuries, Russian and American frontiers expanded toward one another, shaping trade, settlement, and indigenous encounters. These vast, evolving landscapes fostered diverse identities and lasting historical legacies.
Naturalists in Alaska and the Arctic
From the 19th century onward, pioneering naturalists ventured north to document Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and indigenous cultures. Their collections remain invaluable records of Arctic history and biodiversity.
Sheldon Jackson in Alaska
A missionary, educator, and reformer, Sheldon Jackson shaped Alaska’s early schools and social services while collecting invaluable Native artifacts. His legacy, both impactful and controversial, continues to be studied today.
Whaling in the Arctic
For centuries, Arctic whaling shaped economies, cultures, and traditions—from indigenous hunting practices to booming commercial industries. Today, strict regulations aim to protect whale populations while honoring ancestral ways.
Tlingit and Haida Cultures of the Pacific Northwest Coast (Southeast Alaska and British Columbia)
The Tlingit and Haida peoples have thrived along the Pacific Northwest Coast for generations, preserving rich traditions, art, and maritime expertise. Today, they continue to strengthen their cultural heritage and sovereign identity.
Maritime Fur Trade (Sea Otter Pelts) in Alaska
Once a booming industry, the maritime fur trade nearly drove sea otters to extinction while reshaping indigenous economies. Today, conservation efforts work to restore balance to Alaska’s coastal ecosystems.
The Boston Men
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Boston Men sailed the Pacific Northwest Coast, forging trade networks that reshaped indigenous economies. Their legacy blends commerce, cultural exchange, and deep historical impact.
Inupiat Culture on the North Slope of Alaska
Deeply connected to the land and sea, the Inupiat people have preserved their traditions through generations. Their culture, rooted in subsistence, community, and storytelling, remains vibrant in the face of modern change.
The Jesup North Pacific Expedition
Between 1897 and 1902, the Jesup North Pacific Expedition bridged cultures across Siberia, Alaska, and the Northwest Coast, uncovering vital insights into indigenous traditions and connections. Its legacy continues to shape Arctic research today.
Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant Church in Alaska
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Swedish Evangelical missionaries established churches, schools, and medical services across Alaska. Their efforts left a lasting, complex legacy among indigenous communities.
American Polar Society
Since 1934, the American Polar Society has championed Arctic and Antarctic exploration, research, and advocacy, fostering a global community dedicated to polar science and discovery.
