Background and History
George W. Rice was born in Baddeck, Nova Scotia on June 29, 1855. He attended primary and secondary school in Nova Scotia before enrolling at Columbia University Law School in New York, though he did not complete his law degree. Rice's interest in photography developed through his father and two uncles, who each owned photographic studios in Nova Scotia and Washington, D.C.
Previous Expedition Experience
Before joining the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition in 1881, Rice gained experience on a prior scientific and geographical expedition to Greenland in 1880. He was a photographer on the ship Gulnare as part of the Howgate Arctic Expedition, an endeavor motivated by various countries’ interests in exploring and potentially colonizing the Arctic. This expedition only reached as north as Disko (70 degrees latitude), an island on the western coast of Greenland and the largest in Baffin Bay. During this time, Rice showcased his photographic talents by capturing images of icebergs and Greenlandic people engaging in daily activities. In his diary from the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition, Rice noted that certain icebergs reminded him of those he had previously photographed near Disko.
Following his experience on the 1880 Howgate Expedition, Rice was selected by Lieutenant Adolphus W. Greely and hired by the New York Herald to document the Arctic region through photography and writing. The expedition would travel north beyond 80 degrees latitude with the intention of collecting and studying the Arctic's terrain.
Rice quickly became invaluable to the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition, contributing both to its scientific work and to morale. Despite harsh Arctic conditions, he worked tirelessly as the expedition's photographer, capturing images under the harshest conditions that would later serve as the basis for many encounters in Lieutenant Greely’s 1886 account of the journey. Greely later recognized the impact of Rice’s work by incorporating photography into the Signal Corps curriculum after the expedition.
Beyond his photographic duties, Rice assisted with crucial scientific tasks, including recording meteorological data, maintaining a tide gauge, and measuring water temperatures. He proved resourceful in practical ways as well, becoming skilled in dog sledding and even hunting muskoxen to supply the crew with food. His abilities extended beyond physical contributions; as a talented violinist, Rice played a key role in maintaining morale among the crew, earning him the respect and friendship of many, especially the seasoned members.
Although the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition was known throughout history as a groundbreaking expedition with intentions to explore the farthest north points of the Arctic. Many aspects of the journey are overshadowed by the catastrophic failure of over half of the crew dying from a lack of supplies, and the cold. For the crew that did not survive, recognition is important as George Rice deserves recognition for his contributions to the expedition. Rice was a well-respected, tenacious member of the crew, gaining the trust and recognition of his peers. Though he did not survive the journey, his skills, reputation, and story deserve closer analysis. This exhibit will highlight his vital contributions on the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition and the lasting impacts of his work in photography.
Expedition Ship: Proteus
A pitcure of the expedition ship Proteus (left) with a page of his diary (right) detailing the crew onboard and his thoughts before sailing into the Northern Arctic
Works Cited
Box: 1, 1881, Box: 1. George Rice diary and photographs, Mss-186. Rauner Library Archives and Manuscripts. https://archives-manuscripts.dartmouth.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/19343 Accessed October 26, 2024.
Box: 2, 1880, Box: 2. George Rice diary and photographs, Mss-186. Rauner Library Archives and Manuscripts. https://archives-manuscripts.dartmouth.edu/repositories/2/archival_objects/21225 Accessed October 26, 2024.
Dowsett, Kathy. “Who Was George Rice?” The Scuba News, August 19, 2024. https://www.thescubanews.com/2024/08/19/who-was-george-rice/.
“George W. Rice (Photographer).” Wikipedia, September 26, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Rice_(photographer).
“Lady Franklin Bay Expedition.” Wikipedia, September 29, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Franklin_Bay_Expedition.