MMN #26587

If you had to pack for an expeditionary trip to one of the poles, what would you bring? In the early 20th century every explorer would put matches close to the top of the list, if not first. In 1906 Admiral Robert E. Peary carried this canvas-covered, three-chambered bundle with him to the North Pole. A coat of paint achieved the necessary waterproofing. The images on the bottom are CAT scans that revealed its contents.

Maine's long and varied history in polar exploration and the unusual diets of polar explorers are the subjects of upcoming programs at MHS--this Thursday evening and the following Tuesday noon. Both presentations will be filled with fascinating images and anecdotes.

For more on Admiral Peary, visit the contributor site on Maine Memory for the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and Arctic Studies Center.