Palmer Peninsula (Antarctica) Survey (1962-1963)

The Palmer Peninsula (Antarctica) Survey, 1962-1963 sent Smithsonian staff to take part in the Department of Defense work in sites across Antarctica as part of the US exchange representative program. Traveling aboard the USS Staten Island, the expedition set off from Port Lyttelton, New Zealand on January 4th and arrived at Marguerite Bay on January 18th. Leading the Smithsonian team during the survey was Waldo L. Schmitt. In what amounted to his last major expedition, he collected more than any of his previous outings with more than 27,000 specimens. Other members of the expedition included a party from the United States Antarctic Research Program consisting of Mr. John Crowell, senior representative; Captain Edwin A. McDonald, USN (Ret.); Mr. Thomas Berg, geologist; Lieutenant Archie R. Nash, an engineer with Antarctic experience; and Chief photographer Jack Leonard, United States Navy. The survey’s focus was the Palmer Peninsula and South Shetland Islands including locations in the vicinity of Marguerite Bay, Arthur Harbor, Dorian Bay, Paradise Harbor, Danco-Couverville Island, Melchior Islands, Wilhelmina Bay, Alcock Island, Deception Island, Weddell Sea, Discovery Bay, and Admiralty Bay. Between 18 January and 5 March, a total of 26 locations were visited. During the expedition, the group collected specimens and made observations covering plants, insects, birds, seals, and crustaceans. Marine specimens were also collected by tow-net or dredging.