About the Geographical Society

Since 1891, the Geographical Society of Philadelphia has explored the world, bringing it to our members and the public with a focus on travel, exploration, science, and history. We present a popular series of Travelogue Films, distinguished Connoisseur Program speakers, and special Magellan Circle events. Our prestigious Annual Dinner is open to members and the public. The Society presents awards and grants for polar exploration and research.

History

In 1891, a group of Philadelphians with a passion for exploration and geography founded the Geographical Society of Philadelphia. The first president, Angelo Heilprin, climbed erupting Mt. Pelée on Martinique. Henry Grier Bryant explored and mapped unknown parts of Labrador. Charter member Robert E. Peary made expeditions toward the North Pole with funds and active participation of members. Artist-member Cecilia Beaux designed the Society’s globe logo.

Travelogue Films

In the 1890s, the Society presented “illustrated lectures” (with hand-tinted glass lantern slides). Motion picture lectures in the 1900s led to today’s spectacular digital productions. During the 2007 - 2008 season, seven outstanding Travelogue Film producers will come to Philadelphia to screen their latest adventures and narrate them in person. Films are presented at The Academy of Natural Sciences Auditorium at 2:00 and 7:30 PM.

Connoisseur Programs

The Society has always featured lectures about people, places, and perspectives of the world. Recent topics include Afghanistan Remembered, Kashmir, and Driving from Paris to Peking. Because of their popularity, we are scheduling more of these extraordinary speakers, who focus on exotic places, exploration, science, the environment, and the Society’s historic past. Programs are presented at The Academy of Natural Sciences Auditorium at 6:30 PM.

Magellan Circle

In addition to Travelogue Films and Connoisseur Programs, Magellan Circle members attend exclusive events, such as lectures, receptions, the Explorers Dinner, and excursions to unique destinations.

Annual Dinners

At this traditional Society event, speakers and honorees have included Sir Ernest Shackleton, John Glenn, and Roald Amundsen. Recent dinners featured Diving Below the Antarctic Ice, Travels in Eastern Turkey, an early preview of the International Polar Year, and an evening with Lonely Planet founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler.

Student Support

The Society offers special group rates and half-price Travelogue Film tickets. To support home-schooled students, at the 2:00 shows, tickets for adults accompanying children are also half-price.

Exploration Grants

Grants are awarded to scientists and scholars working in the polar regions. Special grants to The Academy of Natural Sciences have supported seven projects.

Awards

Recipients of the Society’s prestigious medals to authors and explorers include Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Thor Heyerdahl, Lowell Thomas, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and Rachel Carson. Special medals were struck for Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary’s attainment of the North Pole and to honor Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mt. Everest.

Board:

2007-2008 OFFICERS		BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President - G. Theodore Burkett First Vice President - James A. Drobile, Esq. Second Vice President - Rowena Saltz Treasurer - Jack A. Fireoved, CPA Secretary - Margaret A. Hines		Theodora W. Ashmead Dr. D. James Baker Sally P. Burkam Nancie W. Burkett Dr. Robert E. Ciliano Joan J. Lapayowker	David E. McCormick Judith A. Nagle J. G. O’Boyle Joanne C. Reider The Rev. Terence C. Roper Dr. Thomas E. Tauber

Brochure

Would you like a copy of our brochure? Send an e–mail with your mailing address to geosocprograms@aol.com or call the Society at 610–649–5220. You can also view the brochure online (Brochure Page 1 | Brochure Page 2 | Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

Newsletters

The Society publishes periodic newsletters that describe our activities. You can view recent issues online (Spring 2007 | Winter 2006 | Spring 2006 Page 1 | Spring 2006 Page 2 | Adobe Acrobat Reader required).