These Mysterious Photos Survived 100 Years Frozen In Antarctica's Ice

Next time you’re not sure what to do with your leftover camera film from yesteryear, remember that a box of 100-year-old negatives were discovered in Antarctica encased in a block of ice – and they survived!

It appears that the ice, ice baby managed to save the images from the elements, which would have no doubt destroyed them otherwise. Four years ago, conservators from the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust stumbled on the pictures while working on restoring a former Antarctic exploration hut.

The images on the cellulose-nitrate negatives had never been seen until 2013, and are believed to be from Ernest Shackleton’s Ross Sea Party, who explored the icy continent between 1914–1917.

Stranded in the hut during a tremendous blizzard after their ship blew out to sea, the adventurers were ultimately rescued, but the box of negatives remained behind.

A photography conservator out of Wellington, New Zealand was able to process the negatives, which, as if frozen in time, revealed the 100-year-old story unfolding through every frame. Though they are unsurprisingly a bit damaged, the photos offer a rarely possible glimpse into exploration of the past.

According to Antarctic Heritage Trust Executive Director Nigel Watson, ‘It’s the first example that I’m aware of, of undeveloped negatives from a century ago from the Antarctic heroic era. There’s a paucity of images from that expedition.’

The photos offer the opportunity to take a closer look into the Antarctic adventures of yore and are also a reminder of the power of nature to preserve as opposed to destroy.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.