Ann Bancroft was born in Mendota Heights, Minnesota and is an explorer, public speaker, and activist.
In 1993, Ann Bancroft led the American Women's Expedition to the South Pole, a team of four women on ski’s, earning her the honor of being the first woman in history to cross the ice to both the North and South Poles.
In more adventures spanning from 1986 to 2001, Bancroft crossed Greenland east to west, dog sled 1,000 miles across Northwest Canada, and with Liv Arnesen they became the first women to sail and ski across Antarctica's landmass.
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
May 27, 1986 - MPR’s Kate Moos talks with St. Paul’s Ann Bancroft about her expedition to the South Pole. Bancroft recounts the challenges of being in the Arctic.
January 15, 1993 - Gale Shore, spokesperson for the American Women’s Expedition to Antartica, meets with MPR’s Bob Potter to discuss the four women team who arrived in Antartica. This team is led by Ann Bancroft and the arrival in the South Pole marks the beginning of this team’s trek across Antartica.
February 4, 1993 - In a press conference, Ann Bancroft reflects on American Women's Expedition (AWE) to the South Pole. Bancroft details the differences between exploring the South and North Pole.
October 2, 1995 - Ann Bancroft talks with MPR’s Stephen Smith about her life as an adventurer. She has accomplished much in her career including that she was the first woman to go to the North Pole and was the first woman to go across the ice to the South Pole.
October 2, 1995 - Ann Bancroft talks with MPR’s Stephen Smith about her life as an adventurer. She has accomplished much in her career including that she was the first woman to go to the North Pole and was the first woman to go across the ice to the South Pole.
October 2, 1995 - Ann Bancroft talks with MPR’s Stephen Smith about her life as an adventurer. She has accomplished much in her career including that she was the first woman to go to the North Pole and was the first woman to go across the ice to the South Pole.
October 2, 1995 - Ann Bancroft talks with MPR’s Stephen Smith about her life as an adventurer. She has accomplished much in her career including that she was the first woman to go to the North Pole and was the first woman to go across the ice to the South Pole.
October 13, 1995 - MPR’s John Rabe sits down with Ann Bancroft and talks about being named to the National Women's Hall of Fame, along with what drives her expeditions.
January 27, 2000 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Verna Simpkins on the new Girl Scouts patch to honor Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen.
April 12, 2000 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews filmmaker Greg Stiever on his film Poles Apart. This documentary includes Ann Bancroft and her feelings during the expedition through the lens of her diary. [Content Warning: This audio discusses suicidal ideations]