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"Adventure is worthwhile in itself."--Amelia Earhart "I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be a challenge to others."--Amelia Earhart |
A survey of various geographical and exploration organizations. Did we miss your favorite? E-Mail us at femexplorers@yahoo.com and let us know who you'd like to add.
Society of Women Geographers
In 1925 four women founded the Society of Women Explorers to fill a need for an organization which would support and encourage women in their explorations. At that time, no other "explorer" organization allowed women members. These four women, Marguerite Harrison, Blair Niles, Gertrude Shelby, and Gertrude Emersen Sen, determined that "geographer" should carry a broad meaning to include such disciplines as anthropology, geology, biology, archaeology, oceanography, ecology, and even specialized aspects of the arts. Today, the Society boasts more than 600 members.
Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Founded in 1884, the Royal Scottish Geographical Society has a distinguished history. Their website states that "RSGS aims to be the foremost independent body in Scotland promoting the understanding of the inter-relationships between people, places and the environment through geographical research, education, debate, travel and exploration."
National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization.
Their website gives the following history: "On the evening of January 13, 1888, thirty-three men traveled on foot, horseback, and in horsedrawn carriages through the streets of Washington to the Cosmos Club, then on Lafayette Square across from the White House. They convened around a large mahogany table to discuss “the advisability of organizing a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge.”
The Association of American Geographers
The Association of American Geographers (AAG), founded in 1904, is a scientific and educational society. The website states that "Its members share interests in the theory, methods, and practice of geography, which they cultivate through the AAG's Annual Meeting, two scholarly journals (the Annals of the Association of American Geographers and The Professional Geographer), the monthly AAG Newsletter, and the activities of its two affinity groups, nine regional divisions and 53 specialty groups. The AAG conducts educational and research projects that further its interests and programs."
The Canadian Association of Geographers
The objectives of the Association are to encourage geographical study and research particularly in relation to the Canadian environment. The Association shall provide for the dissemination to the public of the results of research supported by the Association.
National Council for Geographic Education
The National Council for Geographic Education works to enhance the status and quality of geography teaching and learning.
The Explorers Club
Their website states that "The Explorers Club is dedicated to the advancement of field research, scientific exploration, and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. We foster these goals by providing research grants, educational lectures and publications, expedition planning assistance, exciting adventure travel programs, and a forum where experts in all the diverse fields of science and exploration, can meet to exchange ideas."
Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)
Their website states that "the recent merger between the Royal Geographical Society and The Institute of British Geographers has created the largest and most vigorous geographical society in Europe, dedicated to the advancement of geographical science and diffusion of geographical knowledge."
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| Women Who Dared II |
 A beautiful and inspirational poster with pictures and short vignettes of "women who dared." |
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| American Experience: Around the World in 72 Days (1997) |
 PBS Home Video. Many called her "the best reporter in America," and Nellie Bly truly achieved amazing successes. She got herself committed to an institution to expose abuses of the mentally ill and actually did travel around the world in 72 days. Discover the woman behind these and many other astonishing feats -- a serious yet spunky celebrity who mastered life through her cunning and wit. |
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| The Hawaiian Archipelago |
 By Isabella Bird. Six Months Among the Palm Groves, Coral Reefs and Volcanoes of the Sandwich Islands. |
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| Women of Discovery |
 A Celebration of Intrepid Women Who Explored the World by Milbry Polk, Mary Tiegreen. Across the centuries and from many lands, women have set forth on journeys of exploration. Visionaries, adventurers, artists, and scientists, these women challenged the limitations, both physical and social, of their times and, in the face of formidable challenges, expanded the world's body of knowledge. Yet despite their extraordinary achievements, they have remained unknown and unsung for too long. |
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| Amelia Earhart : A Biography |
 By Doris L. Rich. "Rich's portrait reveals a determined, independent woman, brave enough "to go where no one had gone and to do what no one had done" . . . [and] illuminates the public and private life of a legendary flier, bringing her back to earth as a courageous woman who dreamed and dared all." (Christian Science Monitor) |