Post by Antarctic Heritage Trust New Zealand

For the first time since 2003, our team completed a full condition assessment of Nicolai Hanson’s grave at Cape Adare. Using digital recording techniques, they produced a detailed 3D model that provides valuable insight into its current condition and future conservation needs. Nicolai Hanson is thought to be the first person to have died on the Antarctic continent and is the first person to be buried there. Hanson was born in Christiansund, Norway, in 1870. He studied zoology at the University of Christiania and, at the time of his appointment as zoologist on Borchgrevink’s British Antarctic Southern Cross Expedition (1898 – 1900), he was collecting specimens in northern Norway for both the British Museum and the Zoological Museum in Christiania. During the voyage south, Hanson became ill, and by winter his condition had deteriorated significantly. Despite the care of the expedition doctor, Dr Kløvstad, there was nothing more that could be done. Confined to his bunk, Hanson remained eager to witness the return of the Adélie penguins to Cape Adare. On the day of his death, expedition member Evans brought him the first penguin of the season. Half an hour later, Hanson sadly passed away. Buried high on top of Cape Adare itself overlooking Ridley Beach where the hut is located, a boulder and iron cross serves as his headstone. Hanson is recognised for making the first biological observations on the Antarctic continent. Major conservation of Borchgrevink’s hut will be happening in future seasons. If you would like to help ensure this historic site is conserved for future generations, please consider supporting our work: Reaching the site requires complex logistics and significant international collaboration. We're hugely grateful to Antarctica New Zealand, the Italian Antarctic Program, and the United States Antarctic Program for their support. 📸 1. Lucy, Gord, and Doug at Hanson’s Grave. 2. Hanson’s Grave 3D model taken by Gord Macdonald as part of condition assessments. 3. Hanson's Grave. © AHT/Gord Macdonald. Nicolai Hanson. © Public Domain