 |
| Amelia Earhart carried
the flag in 1939 to commemorate her 1932 flight. |
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| Katharine Sullivan
carried the flag into space as a member of the Shuttle crew in
1990. |
The Society brings together women "explorers at
heart" whose work has involved extensive travel in the
investigations of little-known or unique places, peoples or things
in the world.
What and Where
In 1925 four exceptionally accomplished women in New York (Marguerite
Harrison, Blair Niles, Gertrude Shelby, and Gertrude Emerson
Sen) -- all recognized explorers -- agreed that a society
should be created to bring together women who shared ambitions
and interests in unusual world exploration and achievements.
No women's organization then existed for the sharing of worldwide
experiences, the exchange of knowledge derived from field work,
and the encouragement of women pursuing geographical exploration
and research. The new Society filled this need. In naming their
organization the Society of Woman Geographers, the founders took
"geographer" in its broadest sense to include such
allied disciplines as anthropology, geology, biology, archaeology,
oceanography, and ecology. Specialized aspects of the arts round
out the broad spectrum of worldwide interests and professional
activities of the Society's members.
At the Society's 50th Anniversary, celebrated in 1975 in Washington
and New York, retrospective presentations of its members' accomplishments
testified to the broad scope of its dynamic growth. Its organized
Groups -- at first only in New York and Washington -- are now
also located in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Florida. In addition, Members-at-large are
distributed throughout the country, and Corresponding members
live overseas. Meetings, held regularly during the academic year
in the larger groups, provide members a forum for presenting
the results of their travels or work, and a social atmosphere
in which to exchange information informally. The entire Society
meets triennially.
The Society's role as a forum for the exchange of experiences
and ideas has continued throughout its history. Its members'
activities, however, have evolved through the years to reflect
the changes that have taken place in the world of the 20th century.
The society's records, archives, and library are maintained
at its International Headquarters in Washington. The Headquarters
also houses a museum displaying the work of Society members.
For a glimpse at the diversity and great achievements
made by Society members, review the list of those who have received the
Society's Awards -
The Gold Medal,
Outstanding Achievement
Award, and SWG Flag Carriers as well as
see the summaries about the many members whose careers are documented in
our Oral History
program.
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