George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives

Correspondence, 1881-1957, n.d.
0.1 linear feet.
Catalog Number: M145.1

Series Description:
The correspondence consists of letters written to and from Robert Edwin Peary and his family, beginning after his graduation from Bowdoin in 1877, and extending beyond his death in 1920. Many of the letters are personal correspondence between Peary family members and close friends, such as Donald Baxter MacMillan and Captain Charles Morrill. There is also business correspondence concerning preparations for Peary's Arctic expeditions, maintenance of Peary family estates, and Peary's purchase of several islands in Casco Bay.
Arrangement:Chronological.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Clippings, 1855-2000, n.d.
0.3 linear feet.
Catalog Number: M145.2

Series Description:
Newspaper and magazine clippings concerning Peary, his family, his Arctic expeditions, and Arctic exploration. The clippings date from 1855, covering events such as Peary planting the flag at the North Pole in 1909, his support for an aerial coast patrol 1915-1917, and the U.S. Government issuing a stamp in his memory in 1959. Other topics include books written about Peary and the ongoing controversy over whether or not Peary actually discovered the North Pole.
Arrangement:Chronological.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Miscellaneous Biographical Material, 1877- , n.d.
0.2 linear feet.
Catalog Number: M145.3

Series Description:
Miscellaneous biographical material consists of documents, ephemera, typescripts, and commemorative material related to Peary's life and works. The material includes a program for Bowdoin Class of 1877's graduation exercises and an agenda for "Peary at the Pole: a 75th Anniversary Celebration" held at Bowdoin in 1984.
Arrangement:Chronological.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Pamphlets, 1889-1922
0.3 linear feet.
Catalog Number: M145.4

Series Description:
Pamphlets written by Robert Edwin Peary, or related to Peary's Arctic expeditions. Highlights of this series include a published edition of "Extracts from Commander Peary's Personal Diary: of his Trip to the North Pole", and "Bird notes from North Greenland" by expedition member Langdon Gibson.
Arrangement:Chronological.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Images, 1877-1959, n.d.
0.1 linear feet
Catalog Number: M145.5

Series Description:
Photographs and images of Peary, his expeditions, and various other people and places. Highlights of this series include a photograph of Peary with President Theodore Roosevelt, a postcard by artist Albert Operti entitled "Commander R.E. Peary, C.E. United States Navy", and a photograph of the Robert Edwin Peary Memorial Monument.
Arrangement:Alphabetical by image type, and then by subject.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Realia, 1906, n.d.
2 items
Catalog Number: M145.6

Series Description:
A frame containing both the pin worn by Peary when he reached the "farthest north," 87[degree]6', in 1906, and a piece of fringe from the American flag he unfurled there. There is also a miniature Inuit sledge made entirely with a nail.
Arrangement: Alphabetical.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.