Helen Schreider: Pioneering Explorer and Artist Passes Away at 98

Helen Schreider, an intrepid explorer and artist, passed away on February 6 in Santa Rosa, California, at the age of 98. Together with her husband, Frank Schreider, Helen carved her name in the annals of exploration history as the first couple to navigate the length of the Americas in an amphibious vehicle, a notable achievement that had previously garnered deep recognition for her husband alone.Their groundbreaking journey began in the late 1950s when Frank, a writer for National Geographic, partnered with Helen, a talented photographer and art student. The couple engaged in numerous explorations across diverse landscapes, from the Arctic Circle to the tips of South America, producing documentary films and articles that showcased their adventures for National Geographic magazine over six long assignments from 1957 to 1969.Despite her remarkable contributions, Helen received her due recognition only much later. In 2015, nearly six decades after her husband was inducted, Helen was welcomed into the Explorers Club after it lifted its male-only membership restriction. Faanya Rose, the first female president of the club, lauded her for pursuing exploration driven by passion and curiosity rather than accolades.Helen’s rich artistic pursuits were vividly integrated into her travels, as she frequently sketched her surroundings using colored pencils, encapsulating the beauty of the places she and Frank explored. Her adventurous spirit and determination to travel in the company of her husband left an indelible mark in the world of exploration, inspiring future generations to follow their passions without regard for traditional boundaries.Her passing highlights the need to celebrate the women of exploration who, like Helen, ventured into the unknown with courage, curiosity, and a commitment to capturing the world's beauty through art and storytelling. With her legacy, she continues to inspire countless individuals to seek adventure beyond preconceived barriers.