National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society was founded in the United States on January 27, 1888, by 33 men interested in "organizing a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge." They had begun discussing forming the Society two weeks earlier on January 13, 1888. Gardiner Greene Hubbard became its first president and his son-in-law, Alexander Graham Bell, eventually succeeded him. Its purpose is to advance the general knowledge of geography and the world among the general public. To this end, it sponsors exploration, and publishes a monthly magazine, National Geographic.

Hubbard Medal

The Hubbard Medal is awarded by the National Geographic Society for distinction in exploration, discovery, and research. The medal is named for Gardiner Greene Hubbard, first National Geographic Society president.

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The Hubbard Medal has been presented 33 times in the past. Recipients include polar explorers Robert Peary in 1906, Roald Amundsen in 1907, Capt. Robert Bartlett in 1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1910 and Richard E. Byrd in 1926; aviators Charles Lindbergh in 1927 and Anne Morrow Lindbergh in 1934; anthropologists Louis Leakey and Mary Leakey in 1962; Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins in 1970; anthropologist Richard Leakey in 1994; conservationist Jane Goodall in 1995; underwater explorer Robert Ballard in 1996; and balloonists Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones in 1999.

Related Topics:
Robert Peary - 1906 - Roald Amundsen - 1907 - Robert Bartlett - 1909 - Ernest Shackleton - 1910 - Richard E. Byrd - 1926 - Charles Lindbergh - 1927 - Anne Morrow Lindbergh - 1934 - Louis Leakey - Mary Leakey - 1962 - Apollo 11 - Neil Armstrong - Edwin Aldrin - Michael Collins - 1970 - Richard Leakey - 1994 - Jane Goodall - 1995 - Robert Ballard - 1996 - Bertrand Piccard - Brian Jones - 1999

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