Recent Magellan Circle Programs
2009 - 2010

Two Liberty Place

September 2009. AT THE TOP - 57th Floor of Two Liberty Place. A preview of America’s First Great City: Philadelphia with Executive Producer SAM KATZ

Two Firsts … Sam Katz, businessman and former mayoral candidate, presented the pilot of his upcoming documentary about events in the historic development of Philadelphia. The glass peak at the top of Two Liberty Place was the stunning site for our sunset reception and private screening.

December 2009. The Fourth Part of the World - with author TOBY LESTER

Wine reception, illustrated talk, and book signing at The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.

The Library of Congress paid $10 million for the Waldseemúller Map which gave America its name. Based on his new book, Lester told its story — a race to the ends of the earth sweeping across centuries and continents. Athenaeum members joined us for this special event.

January 2010. Travels in Bolivia- with photographer and world traveler DR. THOMAS TAUBER

Plus optional dinner … Magellan Dinner - Bar Ferdinand

We joined fellow members in trendy Northern Liberties as Tom Tauber shared magnificent images and personal impressions of Bolivia. Then, at elegant Bar Ferdinand, we enjoyed a five course Spanish tapas-style feast (program and reception free - dinner charge.)

March 2010. Special Buffet Dinner - Cruising the Eastern Mediterranean

Theme dinner with filmmakers MARY LEE and SID NOLAN at The Academy of Natural Sciences.

April 2010. Into the Photo Archives - The Franklin Institute

Presentation and Wine Reception

The world as original Geographical Society members saw it! Vintage glass lantern slides of travels in the early 1900's took us on a “Grand Tour”. The Franklin Institute invited us to view highlights of their extensive collection and enjoy a wine reception.

May 2010. Special Buffet Dinner - Perilous Passages. Theme dinner with adventurer KARIN MULLER at The Academy of Natural Sciences

October 2008 (Prior to the Argentina Connoisseur Program). Behind The Scenes Tour - The Racquet Club. We toured this historic club including squash courts, majestic third floor indoor pool, hotel rooms and other facilities.

October 2008. Magellan Dinner. Report From The Field - India. Special slide presentation reviewing the Society’s November 2007 trip to India featuring Rajasthan palace hotels and the Pushkar Camel Fair. A festive dinner followed at the acclaimed Lovash Restaurant, 236 South Street. Dinner Charge.

January & April, 2009. Receptions before two Travelogue Films at The Academy of Natural Sciences. Attendees met the speakers and other members, and enjoyed wine and a light dinner.

May 2009. Athenaeum of Philadelphia Behind The Scenes Tour. Wine and Cheese Reception. A visit to the Athenaeum’s notable Italianate Revival Style building, private library, richly embellished reading rooms, and changing exhibition gallery. We saw treasures from their Travel Collection archives and toured this jewel in Philadelphia’s historic crown.

June 2009. Picnic at historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. Wine and a picnic near the Elisha Kent Kane mausoleum, built into a cave overlooking the Schuylkill River. The Society’s most coveted gold medal is named for this famous Polar Explorer. Laurel Hill (also called the “Underground Museum”) is a National Historic Landmark.

December 2007. Explorers Dinner at The Franklin Inn Club. Attendees explored the world (and skies!) with Dr. Jay Pasachoff, author and authority on solar eclipses. Pasachoff, a veteran of 44 solar eclipses, described recent and upcoming expeditions on seven continents. Locations included Zambia, the Greek islands, French Guiana, Siberia (2008), and China (2009). Pasachoff’s work is supported by the National Geographic Society, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. Dinner charge.

January 2008. President’s Cocktail Reception. Attendees learned about “The Role of the Geographical Society in Turn-of-the-Century Exploration” and other achievements. Reception was held at the Cosmopolitan Club of Philadelphia.

March 2008. Attendees traveled to a special place, exotic Vietnam. Slide presentation at the Racquet Club exclusively for Magellan Circle members and their guests.

Spring 2008. Attendees experienced a behind-the-scenes visit to the American Philosophical Society, to see treasures of American exploration, plus historic Geographical Society memorabilia.

current magellan circle programs