Geography has never played a more critical role in our lives than it does today. The long-standing traditions of map-making and understanding physical environments remain essential to how we organize our world. Additionally, modern advancements such as GIS, GPS, and geospatial analysis now permeate nearly every aspect of daily life.
Spotlight on the American Geographical Society
This week, we’re glad to be introducing and spotlighting an organization we frequently work with in this field: The American Geographical Society, or AGS, for short. Fulcrum is proud to be a corporate partner of AGS, as well as contributing to discussions, projects, symposiums, and helping to introduce AGS to schools, businesses, and individuals who can benefit from their expertise & connections throughout the world.
A rich history of exploration and advocacy
AGS began during the era of Polar Exploration, when Sir John Franklin’s expedition went missing deep in the Arctic. Rumors swirled about the possibility of survivors stranded in the cold, and Lady Franklin went out to seek the help of businessmen and scholars. Founded in 1851 following Franklin’s ill-fated rescue attempt, AGS began as an advocacy group for geographic education in the United States. It funded expeditions, trained explorers, and published findings to address gaps in the maps of the time.
From its inception, AGS welcomed both men and women, focusing on advancing geographic knowledge and promoting geographic scholarship. It advocates for geography’s use in business, government, science, and education. The goal is to enhance national geographic literacy to support sound public policy, national security, and global well-being. Additionally, AGS emphasizes informed decision-making by analyzing how real-world geography influences society, economics, infrastructure, and politics.
Contributions to global progress
AGS has been instrumental in providing information for many geopolitical issues in the 19th & 20th Century, and continues in this geo-leadership role today. In the 1870’s, AGS members debated and discussed a proposed shipping passage connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific, which later became the Panama Canal. During World War I, preparations for the Paris Peace Conference were held in the AGS offices in New York. When President Woodrow Wilson sailed to France, his envoy carried three truckloads of geographic data compiled by AGS Director Isaiah Bowman. During World War II, the AGS assisted more than 40 US agencies in its war against the Axis Powers.
A unique mission and modern focus
The American Geographical Society unites academics, business leaders, policymakers, and the public to promote geography’s importance. It fosters collaboration between individuals and organizations, facilitating interactions that might not otherwise occur. The Society provides leadership to shape national discussions on geography’s increasing significance and the use of geo-spatial tools. AGS emphasizes a broad perspective, ensuring opportunities for everyone to engage with and understand geography’s role in our lives. Additionally, the Society publishes The Geographical Review, its flagship journal, now in its 105th year, available in both digital and print formats.
AGS maintains one of the rarest globes in the world, adorned with the signatures of famous explorers, pilots, and astronauts over the last 100 years. Known as the Fliers and Explorers Globe, this one-of-a-kind artifact has been signed by such notable individuals as Amelia Earhart, John Glenn, Lincoln Ellsworth, Edmund Hillary, Charles Lindbergh, and most recently, Valentina Tereshkova.
Geography2050: Envisioning the future
Every year, AGS conducts a Fall Symposium focused on discussing the issues that will face the world in the near future and beyond. This year, the theme for the Fall Symposium is ”Geography2050: Envisioning a Sustainable Planet,” which aims to gather individuals from business, government, and academia to discuss conservation, restoration, and sustainability goals for the next several decades. The Fall Symposium will be held at Columbia University November 17-18th, 2016. To learn more about the conference and register, visit the Geography2050 site.
The American Geographical Society is an organization with a rich geographic heritage, fascinating history, and a very focused eye on the future of geospatial information and literacy. To learn more about AGS, contribute to its mission and work, or to become a member or corporate partner, visit www.americangeo.org.