Browse Exhibits (3 total)
Daily Life of Ice Isolation
Between 1953 and 1957, U.S. Airmen were sent to two remote bases buried in the Greenland Ice Sheet for months at a time. The isolated locations and harsh weather on the ice offered little in terms of recreational activities other than what could be done inside. Highlighted here is a window into what the men stationed at these bases did while not on duty. They were known as Sites I and II as well as N-33 and N-34. To the public they were weather stations. In reality, they were gap-filling radar stations watching for Soviet aircraft. You can learn more about these bases and what's in store for them in the future by reading this blog post.
Created by Tyler Sullivan, UVM Class of 2023
The U.S. Military Presence in Greenland Through the Public Eye In the 1950's and 1960's
After the Cold War, the U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers constructed military bases in Greenland underneath and around the ice cap. Tunnels in the ice served as year-round bases for scientific research, an experiment with nuclear power as an energy source, and a place to hide missles or be on the look out for foreign bombers and missiles. Camp Century, the most well-known of these bases, housed over 100 soldiers and scientists and was the first "city under the ice" powered by nuclear energy. The project was presented to the American public in a way that put people at ease, intimidated the Russians, and showcased the strength of the U.S. Military.
Created by Emma DiBacco, UVM Class of 2022
The Military's Portrayal of Their Occupation of Greenland
From the 1940's to the 1960's, Greenland was a central hub for United States military operations. In 1941, the US was granted usage of Greenland by Denmark for operations during World War II; occupation later continued into the Cold War era. During this time, large bases were built to serve as a place for soldiers to sleep, eat, and work. These camps were extensive. Since travel to Greenland was limited to the workers on the bases, most of the accounts and images from the time come from journalists allowed to visit, soldiers, and photos sent directly from the military to newspapers. This last category is most important since it encompasses most of the photographs in this exhibit, as I examine the ways the US military tried to utilize media to portray their occupation of Greenland in an entirely positive light.
Created by Jacqueline Kelly, UVM Class of 2025