Our History
More than a century of exploration and impact.
Since its founding in 1898 by Zonia Baber and fellow geographers, the Geographic Society of Chicago has played a vital role in advancing geographic knowledge and exploration. From honoring legendary explorers like Roald Amundsen, Amelia Earhart, and John Glenn, to supporting national parks, education initiatives, and local conservation efforts, GSC has helped shape geography in meaningful ways.
For over 125 years, our legacy has been built on curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to connecting people with the world around them.
Where We've Been
Without the courage, leadership, and sheer heroism of our original founders, there is no telling where the GSC would be today. Over the past 100 years, the GSC has led and honored expeditions and excursions to some of the most fascinating places on Earth. It is critical to reflect on and appreciate our history, so we can realize how far weʼve come and how far we still need to go. We encourage you to review our historic archives, learn about the history of the organization, and find out what youʼve been missing.
Remember When…
1898 Geographic Society of Chicago is founded by Zonia Baber and fellow geographers.
1909 New GSC member Meta Mannhardt and 43 others take an 18-day pioneering tour of Yellowstone National Park.
1911 GSC members help secure passage of an act by the Illinois Legislature to fund Starved Rock State Park.
1934 Amelia Earhart presents a lecture to the GSC entitled “Conquest of the Air By Plane.”
1943 The GSC urges the creation of Illinois Beach State Park.
1953 The GSC Gold Medal is awarded to members of Sir Edmund Hillary’s expedition for reaching the top of Mt. Everest.
1957 The first GSC Distinguished Service Award is given to Jacques Cousteau.
1962 Astronaut John Glenn is awarded the GSC Gold Medal.
1997 The GSC supports the American Heritage River Initiative, which recognizes the Chicago River and Illinois River Watershed in the role they have played as hubs in the nation’s economic development.
1998 President of the National Geographic Society, Gilbert Grovesnor is the featured speaker at the GSC’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in the Palmer House. The GSC prepared a special booklet, “Celebrating A Century“, commemorating this event and providing a glimpse into the Society’s rich history.
2000 The Geographic Society of Chicago and the National Geographic Society establish an endowment fund, the GSC-NGS Education Fund, for expanding geography education opportunities in the Chicago area.
2010 GSC purchases the Earth Balloon — renamed program “Geosphere”.
2013 President Award presented to Ani Smith, teacher at Sheridan School in Elgin,IL for promoting geography in her district and serving as the state Geography Bee Coordinator for 5 years.
2014 GSC honors esteemed journalist, broadcaster, documentarian and provocative storyteller Bill Kurtis with an inaugural Geographic Visionary Award on Nov. 13.
2016 GSC holds its first BioBlitz of Pullman National Monument.
2018 GSC’s Bioblitz documents how species have returned to Big Marsh Park, and continues an annual BioBlitz at Big Marsh through 2024.
2023 GSC celebrates its 125th Anniversary with a nod to its founder, Zonia Baber, through a Women in Geography webinar series.
