Founded January 27, 1888

The National Geographic Society was established in 1888 “to increase and diffuse [spread] geographic knowledge.” It has done this by sponsoring explorations and expeditions—beginning in 1890—that investigate the planet and its inhabitants. Awarding field scientists and other researchers grants that now total four million dollars a year, the society shares its findings with the rest of the world through the National Geographic magazine. Also founded in 1888, the magazine now has an international readership of many millions. Subscribers become society members, and a portion of their magazine fees supports the organization’s scientific and educational projects.

The founding

The society was created by a diverse group of thirty-three men—geographers, explorers, teachers, lawyers, mapmakers, military officers, and businessmen—who had one thing in common: a passion for knowledge and a keen interest in discovery and human...