2026-4-17 Guide to the Polar Artifacts, circa 1910s-1990s SPEC.PA.56.0258 Finding aid prepared by Audrey Wimbiscus Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections
1858 Neil Avenue Columbus, OH, 43210
2026 April This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2026-04-30T12:08-0400 English Describing Archives: A Content Standard Polar Artifacts SPEC.PA.56.0258 Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections 17.51 Cubic feet circa 1910s-1990s The term polar is used to collectively refer to the Arctic and Antarctic geographic areas of Earth, both of which have extremely harsh climates featuring year-round snow and ice coverage. In the past, reaching the North or South Poles was the object of many explorers; as of the 20th century, the polar regions are primarily used for scientific research. The Polar Artifacts date from circa 1910s to the 1990s, and include artifacts either used in the polar regions or representative of the polar regions, such as warm outwear, snow goggles, a snow melter, penguin statues, and a sales model of a tent used in Antarctica. (3) oversize flat boxes; (2) artifacts; (1) carton; (1) costume box English Arrangement of Materials

The Polar Artifacts are arranged in chronological order; artifacts with the same date are further arranged in alphabetical order by title.

 Acquisitions Information

Accession No. PA.2000.0007: Steven Mscicz, 2000 October; Accession No. PA.2002.0001: Purchased, 2002 February; Accession No. PA.2002.0013: John Dicks, 2002 October; Accession No. PA.2009.0011: Source unknown, date unknown; Accession No. PA.2015.0008: Purchase, 2015 June; Accession No. PA.2016.0002: Source unknown, date unknown

 Preferred Citation

[identification of item], Polar Artifacts, SPEC.PA.56.0258, Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Archival Program, Ohio State University

 Access to Materials

Materials in this collection are available for use, but may be used in the University Archives reading room only. Contact the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Archival Program at polararchives@osu.edu for more information.

 Use of Materials

Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright, and are made available for research and educational purposes. In general, the OSU Libraries do not own the copyright for materials from our collections and cannot grant copyright permissions for these materials. The user is responsible for making a final determination of copyright status. If copyright protection applies, permission must be obtained from the copyright holder to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exceptions to the law. Works in the public domain are not protected by copyright and do not require permission to use.

 Processing Information

Processed by: Audrey Wimbiscus, 2026 April; Finding aid written by: Audrey Wimbiscus, 2026 April

 Historical Note

The term polar is used to collectively refer to the Arctic and Antarctic geographic areas of Earth. The Arctic is centered on the North Pole, and the Antarctic is centered on the South Pole; the North and South Poles are the two points on Earth where its axis of rotation intersects with the Earth. The polar regions have a very cold, harsh climate that includes snow and ice for the majority of the year. The Arctic region has regularly had human settlements since at least 5000 BC; the Antarctic has never had permanent human settlements. Historically, the polar regions were popular with explorers who hoped they might find shorter routes across the world, reach the North or South Poles, or find new land.

As of the 20th century, the polar regions are primarily home to scientific research stations sponsored by various countries; though the stations themselves are relatively permanent, researchers often spend limited amounts of time there due to the harsh climate and difficult living conditions. While in those regions, people require special clothing and equipment in order to withstand the extreme temperatures and avoid frostbite. Researchers often study climate change and the unique wildlife in the regions, including penguins.

 Scope and Contents

The Polar Artifacts date from circa 1910s to the 1990s, and include artifacts either used in the polar regions or representative of the polar regions. Items include warm outerwear, footwear, and snow goggles used in the polar regions. These artifacts were allegedly used by polar explorers such as Sir George Hubert Wilkins or Admiral Richard E. Byrd, or members of one of Byrd's Antarctic expeditions. The collection also includes a snow melter used in Antarctica, statues of penguins, and a sales model of a Blanchard tent used on Operation Deep Freeze (1955-1956).

 Boots (footwear) Camping tents Cold weather clothing--Polar regions--20th century Cultural artifacts Explorers--Polar regions--20th century Hats Outerwear Polar regions--Discovery and exploration--20th century Polar regions--Research--20th century Sales samples Scientific expeditions--Polar regions--Equipment and supplies--20th century Scientists--Polar regions--20th century Snow goggles Snowshoes (drags) Statuettes (free-standing sculpture) Snowshoes 1 1 circa 1910s-1930s Scope and Contents

This pair of snowshoes was allegedly worn by Sir George Hubert Wilkins.

 Snow melter 1 1920s-1930s Scope and Contents

This snow melter was used on either Byrd Antarctic Expedition I or Byrd Antarctic Expedition II.

 Fur boots 2 1 1920s-1957 Scope and Contents

This pair of fur boots were allegedly worn by Admiral Richard E. Byrd. They are likely made of seal skin.

 Fur lined leather hat 3 1 1920s-1957 Scope and Contents

The fur lined leather hat allegedly belonged to Admiral Richard E. Byrd, or to a member of one of his expeditions in the polar regions.

 Hinged eye cover snow goggles 3 2 1920s-1957 Scope and Contents

The hinged eye cover snow googles allegedly belonged to Admiral Richard E. Byrd, or to a member of one of his expeditions in the polar regions.

 Hooded fur parka 2 1920s-1957 Scope and Contents

The hooded fur parka was allegedly worn by Admiral Richard E. Byrd.

 Blanchard United States Deep Freeze Draw-tite Tent model 4 1 1950s Scope and Contents

Model tent has "Draw-tite tents are the official trail, reconaissance, rescue and survival tentage with Byrd Expeditions at the South Pole" printed on its side.

 Penguin statues 5 1-2 1950s-1990s Scope and Contents

Two identical realistically painted decorative statues of penguins; they are made of what looks like copper, and the artist is unknown.