Ticketed

Essential Information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and Times Thursday 24 April 2025 l 6.30pm-7.30pm
Prices Free | Members only

Member exclusive. Not a member? Join now

Join author Katherine MacInnes as we uncover the story of the race for the South Pole told from the perspective, for the first time, of the women whose lives would be forever changed by it. 

The men of Captain Scott’s Polar Party were heroes of their age, enduring tremendous hardships to further the reputation of the empire they served by reaching the South Pole. But they were also husbands, fathers, sons and brothers.

Katherine vividly depicts the lives, loves and losses of the five women shaped by the unrelenting culture of the empire their husbands were dutifully serving, and who were thrust into the public eye by tragedy. 

These five remarkable women offer a window into a lost age and give an insight into the thoughts and feelings of the five heroes. 

Meet the author

Author Katherine MacInnes was shortlisted for the Biographer’s Prize for an early proposal for Snow Widows over a decade ago. Since then she has continued to research the five women, both in the UK and in New Zealand, the gateway to Antarctic exploration.

She has reviewed polar literature for the Times Literary Supplement and given talks on the invisible women behind the golden age of polar exploration at the Royal Geographic Society, at history and literary festivals and on local BBC radio. She is a member of the Society of Authors and the Biographers’ Club.

Not already a Member?

Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

With Membership starting from as little as £50, what are you waiting for? Membership is your time to explore!

What’s On

More Member events at Royal Museums Greenwich.

Talks and tours | Member events

Members' Tour

Embark on a voyage of discovery around the Museum in the company of one of our volunteer guides
Various dates | 11am - 12pm
Free for Members | Booking essential
In Greenwich
Family fun | Member events

Members' crafting

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members.
Every other month | 11am-11.45am (SOLD OUT), 12.15pm-1pm, 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2.45pm-3.30pm (SOLD OUT)
Free for Family Members – booking required
In Greenwich
Talks and tours | Royal Observatory 350th anniversary

Members' Lecture: Astrophotography at the Royal Observatory - behind the scenes

Join Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster as he details the latest observations made from the Observatory
Wednesday 15 October 2025 | 6.30pm-7.30pm
Free | Members only
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' Lecture: Royal Observatory Greenwich: A History in Objects

Join Dr Louise Devoy as she explores the rich legacy of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich through 100 fascinating objects
Thursday 16 October 2025 | 6.30pm
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

Your Museum, Britain’s Future: Free Talk and Tea at the Queen’s House

Celebrating your philanthropic support at the spectacular Queen's House
Friday 17 October 2025 | 11am-1pm
Free | Places limited
Queen's House
Talks and tours | Member events

Flamsteed Lecture: The Chemistry of the Universe

A Flamsteed Astronomy Society lecture with Professor Mike Edmunds
Monday 20 October 2025 | Doors at 6.30pm, event starts at 7.15pm
Flamsteed Members: FREE | Guests of Flamsteed Members: £15 | Royal Museums Greenwich Members: £12
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' Lecture: The Battle of Trafalgar at the Queen’s House

Celebrate Trafalgar Day with us and hear from art curator Katherine Gazzard on the history and symbolism of this awe-inspiring naval scene
Tuesday 21 October 2025 | 6.45pm
Free Entry
Queen's House
Family fun | Member events

Members' Family Storytelling: Polly Plum, Brave Adventurer

Join author Jonathan Sellars as we delve into the story of Polly Plum, Brave Adventurer
Tuesday 28 October 2025 l 10.30am-11.00am, 11.15am-11.45am
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals | Member events

Members Christmas Party

Get in the festive spirit with us at this party exclusively for Members!
Tuesday 9 December 2025 | 6.30pm-8.30pm l SOLD OUT
Free | Members only
Cutty Sark