Skip to main content
Where is the James Caird?
Where is the James Caird?

It’s a question that leads to an extraordinary story. This small lifeboat, transformed by shipwright Harry McNish, became the vessel that carried Ernest Shackleton and some of his men to find help after Endurance was trapped in the ice.

Were there any women who lived in South Georgia during the whaling era?
Were there any women who lived in South Georgia during the whaling era?

While South Georgia’s whaling era was overwhelmingly male-dominated, women weren’t entirely absent. Some of the whaling station managers and senior officials brought their wives to live on South Georgia. These women lived in the relatively better housing available at the stations, but their presence was rare.

Are the buildings all prefabricated?
Are the buildings all prefabricated?

No, not all the buildings at Grytviken were prefabricated. The prefabricated buildings were brought over from Norway at the behest of the station’s founder, Carl Anton Larsen. Everything, from the workers to the materials, had to be transported by ship.

What was whale oil used for and why?
What was whale oil used for and why?

For centuries, whales have been viewed as valuable commodities, with nearly every part of the animal used. Whale oil was a valuable commodity during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Why is Sir Ernest Shackleton buried in Grytviken and not in Stromness?
Why is Sir Ernest Shackleton buried in Grytviken and not in Stromness?

When Shackleton tragically died of a heart attack aboard Quest in 1922, Leonard Hussey accompanied his body back to Britain while the Quest expedition continued southwards. His body was transported as far as Montevideo when Hussey received a telegram.

What is the weather like in winter on South Georgia island?
What is the weather like in winter on South Georgia island?

It is currently the beginning of summer right now on the island. Winter in South Georgia is roughly from June to August. This is when the sub-Antarctic island experiences long periods of darkness with limited daylight hours.

Did the whalers have alcohol?
Did the whalers have alcohol?

As we get closer to Christmas, you might have a cup of good cheer or raise a toast to the end of 2024 – however, alcohol was not permitted for most whalers working at the whaling stations in South Georgia. The Police/Customs Officer at the

November Museum Blog – Fur Seal Pups & Tidy Ups
November Museum Blog – Fur Seal Pups & Tidy Ups

The refrain from the museum team throughout November was ‘where did October go?!’, and it seems like November has now met the same fate! November was a busy month for the museum team, with us welcoming 22 ships and 2570 passengers to Grytviken!

We saw a lot of dandelions on South Georgia, are they bad?
We saw a lot of dandelions on South Georgia, are they bad?

South Georgia has a unique and fragile ecosystem. Through human intervention, the island has been impacted by the introduction of non-native species, including dandelions. Dandelions, likely introduced unintentionally through Norwegian soil placed on whalers’ graves, have become a common sight on South Georgia. They are