AR 1993.17
The Papers of Evelyn Briggs Baldwin
1896-1933
1 folder (24 items)
This collection consists of correspondence addressed to Evelyn Briggs Baldwin (1862-1933), an arctic explorer and Freemason. Who’s Who in America for 1903-1905 cites the highlights of his career as follows:
Accompanied Peary, North Greenland exped’n., 1893-4 as meteorologist; made voyage to Andree balloon sta., Spitzbergen, 1897, hoping to join Andree in case services could be utilized, but arrived a few days too late. In 1898-9 accompanied Wellman polar expd’n to Franz-Josef Land as meteorologist and 2d in command; built and named Fort McKinley; discovered and explored Graham Bell Land, May, 1899 …. Organized and comdg. Baldwin-Ziegler polar expd’n, 1901-2.
The same volume of Who’s Who lists him as a resident of the Arctic Club in New York City and identifies him as a “Knight Templar, 32d degree Mason; Shriner.” The biographical card file at the Livingston Library indicates he was made a “Life member in Scottish Rite in New York City” in 1904.
The bulk of the correspondence in this collection deals with his career and his interest in arctic exploration. It includes letters from the explorers George W. Melville (St. Albans Lodge no. 56, Brooklyn) and Adolphus W. Greeley (honorary member of Kane Lodge no. 454). One of the letters from Greeley is a reply to an inquiry from Baldwin about the Masonic membership of other explorers.
Item-level inventory available onsite.