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2 # DLP Test# The Geographical Society of Philadelphia is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization bringing programs focused on travel, exploration, science and history to Philadelphia to its loyal member base and the public.

Overview

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. Also, the Society awards grants to explorers, scientists, and scholars working particularly in the Polar Regions.

Each year, the Society presents a series of travel-related films, illustrated talks, internationally themed feasts and exclusive events for its members. In 2011, the Society launched GEOfest, a citywide film and food festival.

History

In 1891, a group of Philadelphians with a passion for exploration and geography founded the Geographical Society of Philadelphia. Throughout its history, the Society has supported many of the turn-of-the-century explorers financially, materially, and by the encouragement of its members including, Robert E. Peary, Robert F. Scott, Roald Amundsen, Ernest Shackleton and Richard E. Byrd.

Support for Research and Expeditions

The Society has helped sponsor expeditions and research projects since 1891, including:

• 1902 Robert E. Peary’s discovery of the North Pole
• 1910 Ernest Shackleton’s daring exploration of Antarctica
• 2004 Tracy Szela’s scuba expedition in Antarctica to study cold-tolerant organisms
• 2008 Todd Carmichael’s solo expedition to the South Pole
• 2011 Diana Nyad’s quest to swim the Gulf Stream from Cuba to Florida

Awards

The Society supported many of the turn-of-the-century explorers financially, materially, and by the encouragement of its members. It then recognized their achievements by awarding its prestigious Elisha Kent Kane Gold Medal to, among others, Robert E. Peary (1902), Robert F. Scott (1904), Roald Amundsen (1907), Ernest Shackleton (1910), and Richard E. Byrd (1926).

The Society’s Heilprin Literary Medals and Bryant Geographical Research Medals

Recipients have been 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.

Peary Medal

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. “For the Discovery of the North Pole,” encircles the design 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. Robert E. Peary was also on hand to sign the charter when the Geographical Club became a Society. You can view the original document of the charter on the right.

Additional Honors

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.

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