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Geography:
It's All About
Location.

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Who We Are

Exploring the World. Connecting Communities. Inspiring Curiosity.

The Geographic Society of Chicago (GSC) brings people together through a shared passion for understanding our world. From educators and students to families and geography enthusiasts, our community is united by curiosity, discovery, and a love of place.

 

Founded in 1898, GSC has a long tradition of promoting geographic learning and exploration. Today, we continue that mission by supporting education, advancing geographic knowledge, and fostering connections across our city and beyond.
 

Geography: It’s All About Location.™

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Membership Opportunities

​Sign Up

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Becoming a Member

Become part of a community that shares your curiosity about the world.

Join the Geographic Society of Chicago and become part of a vibrant community united by curiosity and a love of the world around us. Whether you’re an educator, student, professional, or lifelong learner, GSC offers opportunities to explore, connect, and make a meaningful impact through geography. Discover new perspectives, build lasting connections, and be inspired to see the world in a whole new way.


Become a Member 

 

Membership Benefits

  • Exclusive access to events, outings, and member-only experiences

  • Explore Chicago & beyond through unique geographic adventures

  • Connect with other educators, families, and geo-enthusiasts

  • Learn for life with inspiring talks and hands-on programs

  • Make an impact by supporting geography education

Fun Facts about the GSC

450,000

K-12 Students Have Toured The World Inside Our Geosphere

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1000+ Teacher Workshops

Led by GSC

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200+ Middle Schoolers

Trained in Geospatial Technology Programs

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9,600 People

Have Attended our Travelogues

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1000+ Teacher Workshops

Led by GSC

Learn about our GeoSphere

Step inside the world, literally.  The GSC GeoSphere is a hand-painted, 20-foot inflatable globe where up to 30 participants explore Earth from the inside out. Led by expert geographers, this immersive experience brings maps to life with mountains, oceans, tectonic plates, and more in a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable learning adventure.

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Learn More

Our Events

Explore. Learn. Connect.

GSC events bring geography to life for all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, an engaging lecture, or a chance to connect with fellow professionals, there’s something for you.

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Family & Student Experiences
Hands-on activities, interactive programs, and engaging events designed to spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.


View Events

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Lectures & Educational Programs
Hear from experts, scholars, and explorers as they share insights on global issues, cultures, and emerging geographic research.


View Events

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Outings & Field Experiences
Get out into the world with guided tours, local explorations, and place-based learning experiences across Chicago and beyond.


View Events

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Professional Networking & Adult Programs
Connect with fellow geographers, educators, and professionals at meetups, discussions, and social gatherings designed to build relationships and share ideas.


View Events

Travelogue: Mexico - Puebla and summiting Mt. Orizaba
Travelogue: Mexico - Puebla and summiting Mt. Orizaba
Tue, Nov 17
Webinar
Join the Geographic Society of Chicago for our monthly Travelogue, a fun virtual trip sharing cool travel stories and tips!

Upcoming Events

  • Nov 17, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST
    Webinar
    Join the Geographic Society of Chicago for our monthly Travelogue, a fun virtual trip sharing cool travel stories and tips!
  • Wed, Nov 18
    NEIU Fine Arts Center Gallery
    Nov 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
    NEIU Fine Arts Center Gallery, 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
    Meet Employers, Explore Careers, and Build Your Professional Network. GSC and the Geography, Environmental Studies, and Geosciences program at NEIU, are hosting a GIS Day Career Fair.
  • Thu, Nov 19
    The Avondale Tap
    Nov 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CST
    The Avondale Tap, 3634 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
    Mappy Hour is an event series that brings together adventurers, nature lovers, and curious minds for inspiration, connection, and fun!
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Travelogue Map

Explore the world at your fingertips.
Dive into our interactive map and journey across the globe. Click on destinations to unlock past Travelogue sessions filled with firsthand stories, expert insights, and unforgettable experiences.​

Meet Our Friends

GSC works with collaborators locally and nationally to strengthen geographic education, support careers, and promote geospatial innovation. Together, we inspire learners of all ages and expand the impact of geography in our communities.

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Become a Collaborator

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