British Antarctic Oral History Project

Collaboration brings Oral History Project to life

The British Antarctic Oral History Project is the result of collaboration between the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), British Antarctic Survey (BAS), BAS Club and Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI). The project’s aim is to capture and preserve the recollections and memories of those extraordinarily dedicated individuals who have worked in Antarctica, with a particular focus on those who worked for, or closely with BAS and its predecessors, Operation Tabarin, 1943-45 and Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS), 1945-61.

Although the official history of these organisations is well documented by original records held in the BAS Archives Service, this project has provided an opportunity to capture first hand insights into the relationships, culture, decisions and policy that shaped the scientific research in the region at the time. The resulting recordings reveal a fascinating history of life in Antarctica that will be preserved and made accessible for generations to come.

The main collection phase, between 2009 and March 2014, prioritised interviews with the older generation. Opportunities for collection were also maximised via reunion events and as diverse a range of experiences as possible were recorded.  So far, over 280 interviews have been collected – with service dates ranging from the 1940’s to the present day – all of which are catalogued and held permanently by the BAS Archives Service.   51 interviews and transcripts are currently accessible via the BAS Club website (https://basclub.org/oral-history/).

Yorkshire based agency, Digital Nomads worked with the project partners to develop the web based platform, which makes the archive accessible on a range of devices, including mobile.  The transcription process continues, and as more interviews become available both the recording and transcription will be added to the BAS Club site.

Bringing the project together required a huge, co-ordinated effort on behalf of the organisations involved.  In addition to which a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers have also worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition and whose efforts underpin its success.

Allan Wearden, co-ordinator on behalf of BAS Club commented: “I’m delighted to see the project live on the BAS Club website, with open access for all to view and listen to the growing collection of Antarctic stories; many of which have never been heard before!”

The UKAHT, BAS, BAS Club and SPRI are extremely grateful to all the interviewees, interviewers, co-ordinators and volunteers for their continued support.

Financial assistance for the project was kindly provided by the BAT Government, Capital Group, the South Georgia Association, BAS Club and UKAHT.

 

Press enquiries:

Sarah Brereton

Limewash Media & Design

T: 01223 813 557

M: 07796 583 223

E: sarah@limewashmedia.com

Download this press release (PDF) here.

 

NOTES

About United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust

The United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) exists to advance the preservation, enhancement and promotion of Antarctic heritage and to engage, inform and inspire a global audience.  The UKAHT is a UK based charity dedicated to promoting Antarctic heritage and this is achieved through the care and conservation of historic buildings and artefacts and delivering and supporting a range of innovative programmes.  All sale proceeds from the shop enable the UKAHT to continue their conservation and awareness programmes.

To discover more visit www.ukaht.org

 

About British Antarctic Survey  (BAS)

British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know-how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. For more information visit www.bas.ac.uk

 

About British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Club

The BAS Club is a club for past employees of Operation Tabarin, the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS), past and present members of the British Antarctic Survey and individuals who have been closely associated with these organisations.  Discover more at www.basclub.org

 

About Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI)

The Scott Polar Research Institute is part of the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1920 as a national memorial to Captain Scott and the polar party, the Institute has been an international centre for polar science and social science research and for Britain’s polar heritage since then. From rigorous scientific enquiry into the nature of ice and climate change to protecting and displaying Britain’s historic polar heritage, the Scott Polar Research Institute has remained at the vanguard of polar study for nearly a century.

Discover more at www.spri.cam.ac.uk

 

About Digital Nomads

Digital Nomads is a niche consultancy specialising in digital innovation and worked closely with the British Antarctic Oral History Project partners to develop the content and platform for the project. Digital Nomads offers a range of services including web design, web hosting and domain name registration.  The company also offers training and consultancy to businesses on social media, WordPress and the general application of digital technologies.  To find out more visit www.digital-nomads.com.

2 Comments

  1. Hi There BAS Oral Historians
    I’d be happy to be interviewed for the collection.
    BAS three winters Deception 1967 (Eruption) Stonington 1968/9,
    NZARP summers 72/3/4/5 and 1982
    USARP/USAP summers 10 or 15
    ALE 3 summers
    Antarctic Cruise Ship “the World” – 6 weeks happening now.
    I will return to New Zealand end January. Do let me know if I can be of help.
    Cheers
    Shaun Norman

  2. Thanks Shaun.

    Allan Wearden has replied by email I hear.

    The project isn’t conducting any interviews at the moment, but will take note of interest expressed.

    Hope your trip goes well.

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