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The Thomas H. Manning Polar Archives
The Institute's archives hold one of the largest collections of manuscript and other unpublished material relating to the Arctic and Antarctic regions, and to many persons who have worked there.
Please note that you will need to reserve a readers desk to access archival material.
- Online booking request form for Archives readers
- Archives FAQ
- Virtual Shackleton
- Special Collections access policy
- Picture Library
SCAR History Workshop, July 2013 participants: Delegates planning to visit Cambridge for the SCAR History Workshop during the first week of July 2013 are requested to contact the archivist directly regarding access during the week of the 24th June OR 8th July. Please title your e-mail SCAR History and send to archives@spri.cam.ac.uk or by telephone 01223 336 555. For all other dates please use the online booking system.
Finding aids
Published Catalogue: Manuscripts in the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, England by Clive Holland (London and New York, Garland Publishing, ISBN 0 8240 9394 1). Published in 1982
Online catalogue: The Archives Hub is a national gateway to the holdings of archives in UK universities and colleges. Search the SPRI archive catalogues on the hub from here. Search by personal name or expedition.
Access
A note on requirements for access to manuscript and other archival items at the Institute is available from the Archivist, who will advise on particular fields of investigation. It is necessary to make an appointment to reserve a readers desk; some periods may be restricted owing to prior bookings, special events, and availability of staff. A appointment can be made up to four months in advance. New dates become available on the 1st of each month. We are unable to accept requests for bookings beyond the four month period. Archival material is not made available outside the Institute. Requests for further information should be made to the Archivist, Miss Naomi Boneham.
Other SPRI resources
- The Library: The Institute also houses the world's most comprehensive Arctic and Antarctic library. Readers using the archives also have access to this published material, including the large collection of published maps and charts.
- The Picture Library: Home to the photographic collection. To arrange access or discuss photographic collections please contact the Picture Library Manager.
- The Art Collection: Appointments to access the art collection for research purposes can be made via the archives online booking request form. You can view the catalogue online.
- The Polar Museum: The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm (except Bank Holiday weekends) entry is free. For enquiries regarding the collection including material not on display, please contact the Museum.
Scope and content of the Archives
The archive collects material relating primarily to British Expeditions and British Explorers. The Antarctic papers cover all parts of the continent and surrounding islands. For the Arctic the exploration of northern Canada is particularly well represented, although all other regions are covered to some extent (notably Greenland and Svalbard).
Detailed chronologies of Arctic and Antarctic exploration, largely based on SPRI records include:
- The exploration of northern Canada by Alan Cooke and Clive Holland; (Toronto, Arctic History Press, ISBN 0 7710 2265 4)
- Arctic exploration and development c.500 B.C. to 1915 by Clive Holland; (New York and London, Garland Press, ISBN 0 8240 7648 6)
- A Chronology of Antarctic exploration by Robert Headland; (London, Bernard Quaritch Ltd, ISBN 978-0-9550852-8-4)
Acquisition
The material held in the Archives has been received from a large variety of sources. This includes gifts and loans. Recent important additions demonstrate the continued generosity of several benefactors. Other material is sometimes acquired by purchase. Prices for items with polar interest are high and increasing, thus fund raising forms a substantial part of the Institute's work and is a significant problem for the collections.