Historic Sites and Monuments in Antarctica

09/01/2025

We take a look at how heritage in Antarctica is protected in the form of Historic Sites and Monuments.

Relatively speaking, human presence in Antarctica is extremely short. Since the first sighting of the continent in 1820, the extent to which humans have left their mark is minimal compared to anywhere else in the world. There were no ancient civilisations in Antarctica; there was no Stone Age, Bronze Age or Iron Age; and there was never an indigenous population. 

Today, the population of Antarctica varies from approximately 4,000 in summer to just 1,000 in winter. The largest settlement is the American McMurdo Station on the southern tip of Ross Island which has a summer population of around 1,000 and a winter population of about 200. 

As such, cultural heritage, like historic sites, structures and objects, is not as visible as elsewhere on the planet. Typically, human presence in Antarctica has been comparatively light and often transient. Today, there are just 90 listed heritage sites in Antarctica – a minuscule quantity considering English Heritage cares for over 400 sites in England alone.

HSM 54: Richard E Byrd bust at McMurdo Station (© Peter Rejcek)

Historic Sites and Monuments in Antarctica 

Heritage in Antarctica is represented by Historic Sites and Monuments (HSMs) protected by the Antarctic Treaty. The initial list of 43 was agreed in 1972 with the overarching vision, “To recognise, manage, conserve and promote Antarctic heritage for the benefit of current and future generations”. 

Any site or monument can be proposed for listing as an HSM. There are currently 90 on the list. They range from plaques, crosses, cairns and busts through to huts, message posts, shipwrecks and even two tractors! New entries are put to the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting for consideration.  

HSM 22: Borchgrevink's 'Southern Cross' Hut, Cape Adare (Myeongho Seo/Shutterstock)

What makes a site historically significant? 

According to the criteria set out in 2009, for a site to be included as a HSM it has to possess historic value. It may be linked to an event or person of importance in the history of science or exploration in Antarctica. There could be an association with a notable feat of endurance or achievement. It may represent an activity or research that bettered our understanding of the continent or wider world. A site may demonstrate innovative or important methods of design or construction. It could hold the potential, through study, to reveal an understanding of human activity in Antarctica. And finally, a site may hold a symbolic or commemorative value to people in many nations.  

HSM 11: Vostock Station tractor (© Andrey Voevodin)

How is the heritage in Antarctica protected? 

Under the Treaty’s Environmental Protocol, HSMs cannot be damaged, removed or destroyed. Management of our Antarctic heritage is an international affair with 20 nations sharing the responsibility. The parties are encouraged to create Conservation Management Plans for each HSM that consider significance, interpretation, threats and risks, opportunities for improvements and potential for use and lay out a clear plan for its future including sharing its significance with the public. Some sites have a non-intervention approach while others are actively managed, balancing the need to conserve the heritage with environmental protection.  

HSM 77: Mawson’s main hut at Cape Denison (© Sandra Potter)

UKAHT’s role

Over 30 years, the charity has become a vocal, visible and passionate advocate for heritage in Antarctica. Today, we are actively influencing the policy decisions that affect historic sites, working alongside the UK Government as its statutory advisor, on heritage designation, conservation management and best practice in Antarctica. 

We actively manage the conservation of six HSMs on the Antarctic Peninsula. We also maintain a heritage interest in others, such as Deception Island and the Heroic era huts in the Ross Sea.

HSM 83: Base W on Detaille Island (UKAHT/Lesley Johnson)

Furthermore, after it was found in 2022, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s iconic ship Endurance is now in the care of UKAHT following a conservation management plan devised in collaboration with Historic England.  

Support Antarctic heritage

Managing Antarctic heritage is a truly humbling, fascinating and exciting privilege. We cannot do it without you. Every donation, legacy gift, membership, penguin adoption and shop purchase helps the charity in its mission to connect people with the wonder of Antarctica through its precious heritage.

Lead image: Myeongho Seo/Shutterstock