This section of the exhibit illustrates the fall-out of the Encyclopedia Arctica, Stefansson’s final project, and how the events that followed molded his lasting legacy during his time at Dartmouth. Stefansson’s approach to publishing the Encyclopedia Arctica demonstrates a transition in his motives for publishing between the early 1950s and early 1960s. The transition from publishing the Encyclopedia Arctica to cement his legacy to publishing it to raise awareness surrounding the Arctic shows that he ultimately disregards personal gain in favor of disseminating information about the polar regions
A collection of letters chronologically narrates the moment in which the United States Navy initially cuts funding for the project (1951) through Stefansson’s death and lasting legacy at Dartmouth College carried out by his wife, Evelyn (1962). This section, which chronicles these events, is divided into the following three timeframes:
Beginning of the End (1950-1955)
Ultimate Demise of the Encyclopedia Arctica (1955-1960)
Stefansson’s Last Years (1960-62)
After the Navy terminated its funding, Stefansson explored alternative publication options that are well represented in correspondence from 1951 into the 1960s. Ultimately, all of his publication attempts failed and Stefansson resorted to donating the Encyclopedia Arctica to Dartmouth College. Thanks in large part to the work of the collection’s librarian and Stefansson’s wife, Evelyn, the Encyclopedia Arctica has since been well-preserved and expanded. As climate change evolves into one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century and science proves that Arctic regions are disproportionately affected in its wake, it is more important now than ever to look back on Stefansson’s research to better inform Arctic policy and take control of the future history of our planet.