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The LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin was a German passenger airship that was built in the late 1920s. It was the first of its kind to be built and was used for transatlantic flights and other long-distance journeys. The airship was named after Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the German pioneer of airship technology, and was often referred to simply as the "Zeppelin." It was in service from 1928 to 1937 and made over 500 flights, carrying thousands of passengers across the globe. It was eventually retired due to the increasing popularity of airplanes and the onset of World War II. Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH best known for its leading role in the design and manufacture of rigid airships, commonly referred to as Zeppelins, was founded by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin in 1908. Luftschiffbau Zeppelin became the leading manufacturer of large lighter-than-air vehicles. During the First World War, Zeppelins were employed as the first long-distance strategic bombers. After World War One all remaining zeppelins were claimed by the Allies as war reparations. Following Count von Zeppelin's death in 1917, control of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin fell to Dr. Hugo Eckener, an enthusiastic proponent of the civil value of airships who led the construction of the largest rigid airships in history, including the LZ 129 Hindenburg. The LZ Group's capital contribution came primarily from its two airships LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin and LZ 129 Hindenburg. A transatlantic airline Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei (German Zeppelin Transport Company) was incorporated on 22 March 1935 as a joint venture between Zeppelin Luftschiffbau, the Ministry of Aviation, and Deutsche Luft Hansa. In the mid-1930s it operated commercial passenger zeppelin flights including regular transatlantic service to South and North America. Hugo Eckener intended to run against Hitler in the 1932 presidential election and after the Nazis won, Reich Minister of Aviation Hermann Göring created a special agency to extend Party control over LZ Group. On 6 May 1937, the LZ 129 Hindenburg caught fire and exploded while mooring in Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 35 people as well as Ernst Lehmann, the Company director. Hindenburg was covered by insurance of 6 million RM, which was paid in full, but the loss of future passenger revenue was not. Public confidence in Zeppelin travel had also been shattered and the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin was immediately grounded on its return flight from Brazil on 8 May 1937. The last pre-war german airship LZ 130 Graf Zeppelin II was launched in September 1938. Over the next 11 months, Graf Zeppelin II made 30 test, promotional, and propaganda tours around Europe. With the advent of World War II, it flew for the last time on 20 August 1939 and never entered the transatlantic passenger service for which it was built. All airships were scrapped in 1940 to produce combat aircraft. On 6 May 1940, a Wehrmacht demolition team destroyed the hangar complexes at Frankfurt Airport. During the Second World War, the company facilities were hit by Allied bombing raids.

Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, and humanitarian. He is best known for his expeditions to the Arctic and his work on behalf of refugees during and after World War I. The Nansen Photographs tells the story of the Norwegian Arctic explorer and his ground-breaking effort to reach the North Pole in the specially-designed polar ship Fram and his later life as a diplomat. Nansen was born in 1861 and studied zoology at the University of Christiania (now called the University of Oslo). He made several expeditions to the Arctic, including a journey across Greenland on skis in 1888 and an expedition to explore the Arctic Ocean in 1893-1896. Nansen also made significant contributions to the fields of oceanography and meteorology and was a pioneer in the study of the Earth's magnetic field. Some of his most notable achievements include: Arctic exploration: Nansen made several expeditions to the Arctic, including a journey across Greenland on skis in 1888 and an expedition to explore the Arctic Ocean in 1893-1896. His expeditions helped to advance the field of polar exploration and contributed to our understanding of the Arctic environment and the people who live there. Science and research: Nansen made significant contributions to the fields of oceanography and meteorology and was a pioneer in the study of the Earth's magnetic field. He also conducted research on the biology and behavior of marine animals, including the study of whale migration patterns. Diplomacy and humanitarian work: Nansen served as a Norwegian delegate to various international conferences and negotiations, and was appointed as the League of Nations' first High Commissioner for Refugees in 1922. In this role, he worked on behalf of refugees and displaced persons following World War I, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 for his efforts to improve the situation of refugees and displaced persons. Later in his life, Nansen worked as a diplomat and was appointed as the League of Nations' first High Commissioner for Refugees in 1922. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 for his work on behalf of refugees and displaced persons. One of Nansen's main responsibilities as High Commissioner was to work with the Soviet Union to facilitate the return of prisoners of war and civilians who had been held in Russia during the war. Nansen met with Bolshevik leaders, including Vladimir Lenin, in an effort to negotiate the release of these prisoners and facilitate their return to their home countries. In addition to his work on behalf of refugees, Nansen also engaged in diplomatic efforts to improve relations between the Soviet Union and the international community. He met with Bolshevik leaders on several occasions to discuss issues of mutual concern and worked to promote cooperation and understanding between the Soviet Union and other nations. Nansen died in 1930, but his legacy as an explorer, scientist, and humanitarian continues to be recognized and celebrated around the world.