Antarctic Explorer Adm. Richard E. Byrd's Parka

An avid adventurer and aviation pioneer, Admiral Richard E. Byrd participated in five expeditions to Antarctica. Admiral Byrd wore the parka on display during his first expedition to Antarctica in 1928. He carried the National Geographic Flag, displayed over the right forearm of the parka. Byrd is an important figure in aviation history, as he purportedly became the first person to fly across the North Pole in 1926 and is the first to fly across the South Pole in 1929. Constructed from the skin of a caribou and seal with fur from a timber wolf and wolverine, the parka kept Byrd warm in the frigid conditions.