Antarctica: History of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) of 1911-1914

(For adults)

Ian will bring to life the history, science, exploration and the characters of some of the extraordinary explorers associated with the AAE teams on Macquarie Island (led by George Ainworth), at Cape Denison (led by Douglas Mawson) and the Western Party (led by Frank Wild) that was deposited on what became known as the Shackleton Ice Shelf.

Each of the parties were unique, with different leadership styles, disparate personalities and wildly different environments to explore. The lives, achievements, characters and tragedy associated with the AAE will be highlighted.

Bookings are essential for this free event. Light refreshments will be available. You are encouraged to bring your own cup for tea/coffee or water.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Please cancel your booking via Humanitix or by contacting the library on 9290 6755 or email gills@mundaring.wa.gov.au if you are unable to attend on the day. Places can then be released for someone else to enjoy.

About Dr Ian Godfrey: Dr Ian Godfrey is an organic chemist who worked as a teacher and lecturer until commencing work in 1987 in the Department of Materials Conservation of the Western Australian Museum. He has worked in the Antarctic on 20 occasions since he first travelled to Davis Station in 1993. Ian’s initial Antarctic work involved using the dry Antarctic environment to naturally freeze-dry waterlogged archaeological timbers and the interiors of historic buildings at Davis Station and at the historic Wilkes Station respectively. In 2001 Ian became part of the Mawson’s Huts Foundation (MHF) expedition team and has been on eight expeditions to Cape Denison, the last in the summer of 2024/25.

He has been the expedition Field Leader on four occasions and is a key conservation consultant for the MHF, focussing on monitoring the stability and condition of the buildings at Cape Denison, their internal environments and the condition and conservation of associated artefacts. He was employed as a historian/field guide by Intrepid Travel, operating on board the Ocean Endeavour in the Antarctic peninsula, for 3 voyages in the 2021/22 summer. He travelled to Mawson’s Huts for a short 3-day visit in the summer of 2025 to monitor the condition of the huts and their interiors in preparation for a full MHF expedition in 2026/27.