Jackie was an ordinary American woman whose life changed forever after marrying rugged Antarctic explorer Finn Ronne. She participated in the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition 1946–1948. Jackie Ronne dedicated her life to Antarctica and helped shape the narrative of twentieth-century Antarctic exploration.

Jackie Ronne reclaims her rightful place in polar history as the first American woman in Antarctica.

Jackie was an ordinary American woman whose life changed after a blind date with rugged Antarctic explorer Finn Ronne. After marrying, they began planning the 1946–1948 Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition. Her participation was not welcomed by the expedition team of red-blooded males eager to prove themselves in the frozen, hostile environment of Antarctica.

On March 12, 1947, Jackie Ronne became the first American woman in Antarctica and, months later, one of the first women to overwinter there.

The Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition secured its place in Antarctic history, but its scientific contributions have been overshadowed by conflicts and the dangerous accidents that occurred. Jackie dedicated her life to Antarctica: she promoted the achievements of the expedition and was a pioneer in polar tourism and an early supporter of the Antarctic Treaty. In doing so, she helped shape the narrative of twentieth-century Antarctic exploration.

Prologue

Part One: Before Antarctica
1 Overcoming the Odds
2 Meeting Finn

Part Two: The Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition (1946–1948)
3 The Beginning
4 Getting There
5 The Adventure Gets Underway
6 Striving for Glory
7 Afterward

Part Three: Working for Antarctica
8 An Explorer’s Private Life
9 A New Era Begins
10 Life After Finn

Epilogue

Author’s Note
Acknowledgements
Appendix One
Appendix Two
Notes
Bibliography
Image Credits
Index
About the Author