Exploration. In 1891, a group of Philadelphians with a passion for exploration and geography founded the Geographical Club of Philadelphia (later incorporated as a “Society”). Goals of the Society from its inception included the promotion of geographical studies, the interchange of experiences of travel, the recording of discoveries, and the presentation of research by means of lectures.

The first President, Angelo Heilprin, geologist at The Academy of Natural Sciences, climbed erupting Mont Pelee on the island of Martinique; Henry Grier Bryant explored and mapped unknown parts of Labrador; charter subscriber Robert E. Peary, discoverer of the North Pole, conducted expeditions with funds and the active participation of Society members. A summary of Prof. Heilprin’s adventure on Mont Pelee follows:

The Society’s Heilprin Literary Medals and Bryant Geographical Research Medals have been presented to distinguished authors, scientists, and explorers such as Thor Heyerdahl, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, John Glenn, Lowell Thomas, and Rachel Carson. Aviators Richard D. Norton, a Philadelphian, and Colin Rosetti were awarded Elisha Kent Kane medals for their pioneering round-the-world flight via the earth’s poles. Two specially struck medals have been awarded by the Society: The Commander Robert Peary North Pole Medal and the Sir Edmund Hillary Mt. Everest Medal. Their descriptions follow:

Peary Medal - Discovery of the North Pole (1909). In addition to the Elisha Kent Kane Exploration Medal awarded to Commander Peary (1902), a special gold medal was struck to commemorate his Discovery of the North Pole. This was the first distinction of its kind (specially struck medal) ever bestowed by the Geographical Society of Philadelphia. The obverse contains a profile head of Peary encircled by the legend: Geographical Society of Philadelphia to Commander R. E. Peary, U.S.N. The reverse of the medal shows a draped female figure representing America, standing on a low dais pointing with one hand to the northern apex of the globe and with her other upraised arm calling the attention of the world to the fact that one of her sons has attained the Pole. Beside the globe is the conventional representation of a mariner’s sextant. A loaded sledge with dogs and driver and a representation of the S. S. Roosevelt form a fitting background and typify the means employed to reach the Pole. Encircling the design are the words “For the Discovery of the North Pole,” and below the central figure appears the date of the discovery: April 6, 1909. A silver replica was awarded to Capt. R. A. Bartlett, Master of the S. S. Roosevelt. The medal is the work of Mr. A. C. Frank of Philadelphia and was executed under the direction of a committee of the Geographical Society.

Sir Edmund Hillary - Ascent of Mt. Everest (1954). A specially-struck gold medal was awarded to Sir Edmund Hillary in commemoration of his ascent of Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain, on May 29, 1953. The photograph (right) shows Sir Edmund Hillary and Lady Hillary receiving the Geographical Society Special Medal from Roger W. Hallowell, President of the Geographical Society, on February 10, 1954.

Exploration Grant Program. The Society continues to provide support for Arctic and/or Antarctic exploration, and related research. We broadened the term “geographic exploration” at the beginning of the twenty-first century to include both scientific and ecological activities. We require that exploration be performed in “the field,” or in support of work in “the field,” be it on the ice, waters, or lands of the Arctic or Antarctic regions.

Please contact the Society for a description of the Exploration Grants Program, guidelines, and an application form.