The Ann Bancroft Foundation empowers girls to imagine something bigger and helps them reach their full potential. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1995.[1]. In November 2000, the two flew to Blue 1 ice runway in Dronning Maud Land and … Her father often took her on … Votes: 114. Educator/Explorer/Lecturer www.bancroftarnesen.com www.annbancroftfoundation.org. Then, in the fourth grade, her father joined the Peace Corps and moved the family to rural Kenya for two years. Ann Bancroft interview: Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen discuss their historic trek across the Antarctic, what they hope the three million children who followed their trek via the web will learn from their experience, and much else. She was also the first woman to cross both polar ice caps to reach the North and South Poles. [16] Future trips include Africa in 2019, Oceania in 2021, South America in 2023, Europe in 2025, and Antarctica in 2027. This page was last edited on 5 January 2021, at 02:12. Ann Bancroft (born September 29, 1955) is an American author, teacher, adventurer, and public speaker. In 1992–1993, Bancroft led a four-woman expedition to the South Pole on skis; this expedition was the first all-female expedition to cross the ice to the South Pole. Ann had an adventurous family. When Ann Bancroft was young, it was a teacher (mentor) that sparked her self-confidence. People expect explorer Ann Bancroft to have some answers when it comes to her newest mission: water conservation. Bancroft was born in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. [6] Bancroft also taught Physical Education and Special Education in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bancroft grew up in rural Minnesota in what she described as a family of risk takers. American explorer Ann Bancroft was the first woman to participate in and successfully finish several arduous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. ... Anne Bancroft, Hume Cronyn, Corey Parker, Jonathan Silverman. Attempted another expedition to the North Pole with. Bancroft was born in Mendota Heights, Minnesota,[2] and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bancroft struggled with dyslexiafrom an early age, but she nevertheless graduated High School and was accepted at the University of Oregon where she graduated with a Physi… She lives in an 80 acre farm in Scandia, Minnesota with her partner, Pam Arnold. Ann Bancroft, American explorer who was the first woman to participate in and successfully finish several arduous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Annual Celebration Online. Bancroft began leading wilderness expeditions when she was 8 years old when she convinced her cousins to join her on backyard expeditions. Anne Bancroft was born on September 17, 1931 in the Bronx, the daughter of Michael Italiano (1905-2001), a dress pattern maker, and Mildred DiNapoli (1908-2010), a telephone operator, both of whom were the children of Italian immigrants. Became the first woman to reach both poles in 1992. BACKGROUND. News & Events. Updates? She was the first woman to successfully finish a number of arduous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. Bancroft currently co-owns an exploration company, Bancroft Arnesen Explore,[8] with Liv Arnesen. Share with your friends. (born 1955). Ann Bancroft (born 29 September 1955 in Mendota Heights, Minnesota) is an American author, teacher, and adventurer. Anne Bancroft was born on September 17, 1931 in the Bronx, the daughter of Michael Italiano (1905-2001), a dress pattern maker, and Mildred DiNapoli (1908-2010), a telephone operator. [2] Bancroft became a wilderness instructor and a gym teacher in Minneapolis (at Clara Barton Open School) and St. Paul. In 1998, Bancroft met Liv Arnesen, a Norwegian polar explorer and kindred spirit who shared her childhood dream of crossing Antarctica. In 1986 Ann Bancroft traveled 1,000 miles (1,600 km) by dogsled from the Northwest Territories in Canada to the North Pole as the only female member of … She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1995. Although she struggled with a learning disability, she graduated from St. Paul Academy and Summit School and became a physical education teacher, coach, and wilderness instructor in the St. Paul area. [12] However, according to The Washington Post, the expedition was called off "after Liv Arnesen suffered frostbite in three of her toes, and extreme cold temperatures drained the batteries in some of their electronic equipment. From website: Bancroft Arnesen Explore is a cooperative between Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen, whose shared mission is to inspire people, particularly women and girls, to follow their dreams. She grew up in what she described as a family of risk takers. [11], In March 2007, Bancroft and Liv Arnesen took part in a trek across the Arctic Ocean to draw attention to the problem of global warming. www.YourEpedition.com. This initiative aims to encourage children to protect their waterways, which is a vital resource. When an opportunity arose to participate in the 1986 Steger International Polar Expedition, Bancroft resigned her teaching position. Bancroft Arnesen Explore. Grant. 40. Bancroft struggled with dyslexia from an early age, but she nevertheless graduated High School and was accepted at the University of Oregon where she graduated with a Physical Education Degree in 1981. Her parents -Dick and Debbie Bancroft -greatly encouraged her love of the outdoors. Biography Ann Bancroft is an American author, teacher and explorer. Finished the first Source to Sea Access Water expedition on the Ganges River with seven other women in 2015, covering 1,500 miles in 60 days. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ann-Bancroft, University of Oregon - Around the O - Ann Bancroft, Ann Bancroft - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Minnesota-born explorer Ann Bancroft was able to achieve her dreams when she became the first woman to have stood at both the North and South … Become a … [7], Bancroft is openly bisexual[18] and in 2006, she publicly campaigned against a proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to prohibit any legal recognition of marriages or civil unions between members of the same sex. [17][20][21], For the award winning American actress, see, "Ann Bancroft - National Women's Hall of Fame", "Ann Bancroft, Polar Explorer - Yale Dyslexia", "Remembering the North Pole trek of 1986 -- and looking forward to the anniversary celebration", "The Bancroft Arnesen Expedition: Two Teachers Take to the Ice to Expand Classroom Walls | Education World", "Ann Bancroft's latest adventure: Finding, and preserving, fresh water", "Why is Polar Explorer Ann Bancroft Paddling the Ganges? She was raised in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, later moving to 1580 Zerega Ave. and graduating from Christopher Columbus High School in 1948. [10], In 2001, Bancroft and Norwegian adventurer Liv Arnesen became the first women to ski across Antarctica. She is a Polar Explorer and has earned the recognition of being the first known woman to cross both the North and the South Pole. SUNFISH LAKE, Minn. — Polar explorer Ann Bancroft is a master of social isolation. Inspiring courage, risk-taking, integrity, and individuality in girls and women. Recognized for her various roles as an explorer & educator, Ann Bancroft is a leader dedicated to inspiring women, girls and audiences around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Bancroft grew up in rural Minnesota in what she described as a family of risk takers. [17] Future expeditions will be conducted on every continent. Named one of history's greatest polar explorers in 2011. Ann Bancroft, Polar Explorer. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Ann Bancroft, Polar Explorer By Kyle Noone The air is thick, hot and wet on the kind of Minnesota summer day that always precedes a thundershower. The life and experiences of the thirteenth century explorer, who sought to connect the civilizations of China and Europe through trade. From overcoming oppression, to breaking rules, to reimagining the world or waging a rebellion, these women of history have a story to tell. Bancroft spent two years in Kenya in her fifth and sixth grades. ... the family hears their private life played for laughs. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Ann Bancroft Age: 45 Hometown: Scandia, Minnesota Accomplishments: First woman in history to travel over the ice cap to the North and South Poles. The two explorers were followed be millions of school children. Listen to Ann Bancroft. Summary Ann Bancroft (born in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.) is a famous Explorer from USA, she is still alive and was born September 29, 1955. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Their roughly 1,700-mile (2,750-km) journey skiing and sailing took 94 days. Omissions? Leader of the first all-female expedition to the. Ann Bancroft was born on September 29, 1955 in Mendota Heights Minnesota. Thousands of school children followed the AWE using curricula developed by the Ann Bancroft Foundation. After successfully completing their 67-day, 660-mile (1,060-km) journey in early 1993, they became the first women’s team to reach the South Pole on skis, and Bancroft was the first woman to have stood at both poles. Ann Bancroft, 62, was the first woman to cross Arctic ice to the North Pole, the first woman to reach the South Pole, the leader of the first American women’s east-west crossing of Greenland, the leader of the first all-female expedition to the South Pole, and with Norwegian explorer Liv Arnesen, was the first woman to ski across Antarctica. Bancroft returned to Antarctica in 2001, when she and Norwegian polar explorer Liv Arensen became the first women to complete a transcontinental crossing there. Math, reading and writing were all struggles for Bancroft, but she managed to get by with help from tutors and her family. She thus became the first woman to reach the North Pole by sled and on foot. In 1992 she was the leader of the first team of women to ski across Greenland. Bancroft, 64, of Sunfish Lake was the first woman to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole. In recognition of her achievements, she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1995, and she also received several additional awards and honours. She is the first woman to successfully finish a number of arduous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic.Bancroft grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, in a family she has described as risk takers. [2][7] The Wilderness Inquiry group allows individuals and families to go on outdoor adventures, and the adventures are open to people of all ability levels. ... and later become a polar explorer. The group departed from Ellesmere Island on March 6, and after 56 days she and five other team members arrived at the North Pole by dogsled without benefit of resupply. "[13], In 2017, Bancroft led an expedition on the Ganges River as part of the "Access Water Initiative Series." She described her family as one of risk takers. [16] In 2018, Bancroft will paddle down the 2,320 mile Mississippi River. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Enjoy the best Ann Bancroft Quotes at BrainyQuote. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. [15] This expedition was a 60-day trip on 1,500 miles of waterway. YourExpedition. Included in Remarkable Women of the Twentieth Century in 1998. [4][5] Bancroft was a camper and staff member at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Ely, MN. Ann Bancroft was born on September 29, 1955, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Quotations by Ann Bancroft, American Explorer, Born September 29, 1955. She was the first woman to successfully finish a number of arduous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. The Ann Bancroft Foundation, founded by the polar explorer, funds Minnesota girls' dreams For many recipients, winning a grant gives them the encouragement they need to … [7][14] The Ganges River expedition's purpose was to raise awareness of the importance of clean water and that waste will travel downstream. [2] She described her family as one of risk takers. [19], Bancroft also supports awareness of Access Water, Winter Warm-Up challenges, and global warming. Bancroft, the second of five children, grew up in Mendota Heights. Bancroft's parents were both children of Italian immigrants. During the expedition, Bancroft and her team will also be doing educational outreach. [16], Bancroft plans to boat down the Mississippi river in 2018 with Arnesen and other female explorers. Her dad often took her on camping trips and she had fun camping trips with her three siblings and cousins in her backyard. In an interview, she stated that her family was originally from Muro Lucano, in the province of Potenza. Ann was struggling academically in the classroom and so her teacher came up with a plan to have Ann instruct another teacher on how to ski. SUNFISH LAKE, Minn. — Polar explorer Ann Bancroft is a master of social isolation. Born in Mendota Heights, raised in West St. Paul and her adventurous spirit nurtured on the edge of the million acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area … She arrived at the North Pole together with five other team members after 56 days using dogsleds. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Meet extraordinary women who dared to bring gender equality and other issues to the forefront. [9] This made Bancroft the first woman to reach the North Pole on foot and by sled. [2] Bancroft began leading wilderness expeditions when she was 8 years old when she convinced her cousins to join her on backyard expeditions. Explorer Ann Bancroft in India (Photo: Bancroft Arnesen Explore) Between now and fall of 2018, Bancroft will be visiting schools, engaging educators, and participating in events with with Canoemobile to inspire kids to take action to protect their waterways. Corrections? Born in 1955 in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Ann's love of the outdoors began early in life. The Ann Bancroft Foundation. Minnesota native Ann Bancroft, BS '81, fell in love with the University of Oregon at first sight—which is just as well, as she enrolled on the advice of a friend without ever having set foot in Eugene. Her parents, Dick and Debbie Bancroft, moved the family to Kenya for two years when … ", "Join Explorer Ann Bancroft in the Great River Race - Wilderness Inquiry", "To the ends of the earth and back: Minnesota native Ann Bancroft...", "Opponents rally against gay marriage ban", "Polar explorer Ann Bancroft sleds by Marine Elementary School", "Bancroft, Ann - National Women's Hall of Fame", "13 of history's greatest polar explorers", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ann_Bancroft&oldid=998369845, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with BIBSYS identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SUDOC identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Explorer, teacher, author, public speaker, Leader of the first east–west crossing of. Bancroft became the first woman to have skied to both poles. Ann Bancroft (born September 29, 1955) is an American author, teacher, adventurer, and public speaker. Bancroft founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation in 1991. In November 1992 she led three other women on the grassroots-funded American Women’s Expedition to Antarctica. In 1986, she said her position as recreation and physical education teacher and joined the "Will Steger International North Pole Expedition." Forty-five-year-old Ann Bancroft lounges next to the small red barn that serves as garage and gear closet, with sleds and skis and cars competing for space. [2] The Ann Bancroft foundation supports the Wilderness Inquiry group and Bancroft currently teaches at Wilderness Inquiry. She made her cinema debut in Don't Bother to Knock (1952) in 1952 and over the next five years appeared in a lot of undistinguished movies as a supporting actress, … “The mountains, the ocean, the laid-back atmosphere of Eugene—the whole thing just fit,” she said. Bancroft gave up her physical education and special education teaching posts in 1986 in order to participate with the "Will Steger International North Pole Expedition". She was Roman Catholic. Bancroft, 64, of Sunfish Lake was the first woman to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Bancroft has been on expeditions on the Ganges River in India, crossed Greenland, traveled to the North Pole, and crossed the South Pole. Aside from the two years she spent with her family in Kenya, East Africa (in fifth and sixth grades), Ann was a student of Minnesota's vast wilderness. Dog sledded 1,000 miles from the Northwest Territories to the North Pole with Will Steger's 1986 North Pole Expedition. Ann Bancroft, (born September 29, 1955, St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.), American explorer who was the first woman to participate in and successfully finish several arduous expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. 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