What financial support helped fund Richard E. Byrd’s first Antarctic expedition?

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Richard E. Byrd stands on a ship deck in heavy fur clothing and a leather cap, holding a sundial compass during an Antarctic expedition. — Richard E. Byrd Richard E. Byrd.

Richard E. Byrd’s first Antarctic expedition (1928–1930) was funded through a combination of large financial contributions from wealthy Americans, including Edsel Ford and John D. Rockefeller, Jr., as well as liberal contributions from the American public, which were inspired by Byrd’s fame. The total estimated cost of this venture was approximately $400,000.1