Related Primary Sources

This page lists other resources found in the Library of Congress' Special Collection divisions, including the Geography and Map, Prints and Photographs, and Serial and Government divisions. When searching for materials in other divisions, remember to refer back to the General Search Tips page, and to use the LC subject headings, for example:

Expeditions and surveys--Arctic regions.
Search for additional primary sources in the Prints & Photographs Division.

Geography and Map Division

The Geography and Map Reading Room provides cartographic and geographic information that supports the vast range of scholarly resources in the Library. The Geography and Map: An Illustrated Guide assists researchers seeking to navigate the various resources available in this division. Below are a few examples of maps related to polar exploration that you may find in the custody of the Geography and Maps Division.

Hydrographic Office of the Admiralty. Chart of the North Polar Sea. December 24, 1855. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division.

Central Intelligence Agency. The Arctic Region. [1970]. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division.

Sir John Ross. [Map of the Arctic and adjacent regions]. [1855]. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division.

More maps can be found by using the suggested LC subject heading examples listed below:

Prints and Photographs

The Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division preserves and makes available photographs, historical prints, posters, cartoons, documentary drawings, fine prints, and architectural and engineering designs that support a vast range of scholarly resources. Below are a few examples of materials related to polar exploration in the custody of the Prints and Photographs Division. Search their catalog to find additional primary source material in this division of the Library.

"We are floating across the Pole, the stars and stripes are waving..." The romantic spectacle, Under the polar star written by Clay M. Greene. ca. 1896. Theatrical poster collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

"Tell the boys at the office that I have become a martyr to science after all." The romantic spectacle, Under the polar star written by Clay M. Greene. ca. 1896. Theatrical poster collection. Library of Congress Print and Photographs Division.

Helen: "No sign of relief! Will they ever return?" The romantic spectacle, Under the polar star written by Clay M. Greene. ca. 1896. Theatrical poster collection. Library of Congress Print and Photographs Division.

G. W. (George W.) Rice, photographer. Two men with sled in front of a large ice formation during the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition. Between 1881 and 1884. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Matthew Henson shows President Eisenhower the location of the North Pole on a globe... 1954. New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

George Grantham Bain, photographer. On the sledge that went to the North Pole. c. January 1910. George Grantham Bain Collection. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

Serial and Government Publications

The Serial and Government Publications Division provides access to information about historic newspapers and select digitized newspapers through the Chronicling America database. Below are a few examples of newspaper clippings related to polar exploration you may find in the custody of the Newspapers and Current Periodical Division. You can search the Chronicling America database by using keywords, such as "polar exploration," and narrow the results down by selecting the location and/or date range.

Polar Exploration: Primary Sources in the Manuscript Division

Manuscripts: Ask a Librarian