Guardians of Discovery
Unveiling the planet's wonders, fostering knowledge, and inspiring conservation for over a century.
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Overview
A Global Endeavor
The National Geographic Society, headquartered in Washington, D.C., stands as one of the world's preeminent nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Established in 1888, its expansive interests encompass geography, archaeology, natural science, and the critical promotion of environmental and historical conservation. Furthermore, the Society dedicates itself to the profound study of world culture and history, aiming to deepen global understanding and appreciation.
Iconic Identity & Reach
Instantly recognizable, the National Geographic Society's emblem is a distinctive yellow portrait frame. This iconic rectangular border graces the front covers of its renowned magazines and serves as the logo for its various television channels. Through National Geographic Partners, a strategic joint venture with The Walt Disney Company, the Society extends its influence, operating its flagship magazine, a suite of TV channels, a dynamic website, global events, and a diverse array of other media operations, collectively reaching over 280 million individuals monthly.
Philanthropic Foundations
The Society's extensive efforts are underpinned by a broad spectrum of philanthropic support, drawing from individual benefactors, charitable organizations, governmental bodies, and corporate partners. Notable contributors have included the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Lockheed Martin, Pfizer, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, among many others. This diverse funding enables its continued commitment to scientific research, exploration, and educational initiatives worldwide.
History
Genesis of Exploration
The National Geographic Society was formally founded on January 13, 1888, emerging from a gathering of 33 explorers and scientists at Washington, D.C.'s Cosmos Club. Their collective ambition was "to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge." Two weeks later, on January 27, the Society was officially incorporated. Gardiner Greene Hubbard, a co-founder of AT&T, became its inaugural president, a role later assumed by his son-in-law, the renowned inventor Alexander Graham Bell, in 1897.
Growth & Innovation
Under the leadership of Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, Alexander Graham Bell's son-in-law, who became the first full-time editor of National Geographic Magazine in 1899 and later president in 1920, the Society pioneered innovative marketing strategies. This included the successful concept of Society membership and the groundbreaking use of photographs to narrate stories within its publications, fundamentally shaping the magazine's enduring appeal. The Grosvenor family has maintained a significant influence within the organization throughout its history.
Key Milestones & Evolution
The Society has marked numerous achievements and navigated significant transformations. In 2004, its Washington, D.C., headquarters received "Green" certification from Global Green USA, reflecting an early commitment to sustainability. The prestigious Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities was bestowed upon the Society in October 2006. Commercial ventures expanded with National Geographic Expeditions in 1999, and the launch of National Geographic Music and Radio and National Geographic Entertainment divisions in 2007. However, the Society also faced challenges, including an investigation under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in 2013 and significant organizational restructuring in 2015, leading to the formation of National Geographic Partners with 21st Century Fox (later Disney) and subsequent staff reductions. In 2023, further layoffs occurred, and it was announced that the magazine would cease physical newsstand sales in the U.S. in 2024, shifting focus to freelance writers and a core editorial team.
Activities
Research & Projects
A cornerstone of the National Geographic Society's mission is its robust support for scientific research and exploration. Over the years, the Committee for Research and Exploration has awarded more than 11,000 grants, fostering groundbreaking discoveries and expanding humanity's understanding of the natural world, diverse cultures, and historical phenomena across the globe.
Public Engagement
The Society maintains a public museum at its Washington, D.C., headquarters, offering an immersive experience into the world of exploration. The museum features dynamic, changing exhibitions that showcase the compelling work of National Geographic explorers, photographers, and scientists. Additionally, permanent exhibits house significant artifacts, such as the camera utilized by Robert Peary during his North Pole expedition and pottery recovered by Jacques Cousteau from ancient shipwrecks, connecting visitors directly to historical feats of discovery.
Explorer Program
The National Geographic Explorers program is designed to identify and support exceptional individuals who are leaders in their respective fields. These explorers receive crucial funding and institutional backing from the Society to advance their work in science, exploration, education, and storytelling. The program encompasses a diverse group, from pioneering scientists to influential content producers like photographers and filmmakers, all dedicated to illuminating and protecting our world.
Awards
Hubbard Medal
The Hubbard Medal is the National Geographic Society's highest honor, bestowed for exceptional distinction in the realms of exploration, discovery, and scientific research. Named in tribute to Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the Society's first president, this prestigious medal has been presented 44 times as of 2018, recognizing individuals whose contributions have profoundly advanced geographical knowledge and human understanding. Peter H. Raven was the most recent recipient of this esteemed award.
Bell Medal
The Alexander Graham Bell Medal, awarded sparingly, recognizes individuals for their extraordinary contributions to geographic research. This award honors Alexander Graham Bell, the renowned scientist, inventor of the telephone, and the second president of the National Geographic Society. As of mid-2011, the medal had been presented twice, acknowledging the pioneering work of Bradford and Barbara Washburn, and later, Roger Tomlinson and Jack Dangermond, for their significant impact on the field.
Media
Strategic Partnership
National Geographic Partners represents the commercial arm of the Society, established in 2015 as a for-profit joint venture. The Walt Disney Company holds a 73% stake, with the National Geographic Society retaining 27%. This partnership manages the Society's commercial activities, including its global television channels and magazine publications, many of which had existing co-ownership arrangements with Fox (now Disney) prior to the venture's formation.
Diverse Publications
Beyond its flagship magazine, the Society produces a wide array of periodicals and other media. These include educational classroom magazines, specialized history journals, and children's publications tailored for various age groups. Additionally, National Geographic Books and National Geographic Maps, commercial publishing divisions of National Geographic Partners, produce atlases, books, and detailed maps, further disseminating knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of the world.
Publication Scrutiny
While celebrated for its scientific and educational content, the Society has faced criticism regarding certain publications. Specifically, a series of books on natural remedies and medicinal herbs, including titles like Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Complete Guide to Natural Home Remedies, drew significant scrutiny. Critics, including experts cited in the journal Skeptical Inquirer, highlighted concerns about recommendations lacking scientific evidence, internal inconsistencies, and the promotion of what was termed "quackery" without adequately presenting effective, science-based alternatives.
Films
Feature Productions
National Geographic Films, initially a wholly owned taxable subsidiary, has been instrumental in producing and co-producing a range of feature films and documentaries. These cinematic ventures often align with the Society's core mission of exploration and storytelling. Notable productions include the submarine thriller K-19: The Widowmaker (2002), the acclaimed nature documentary March of the Penguins (2005), Arctic Tale (2007), and the globally collaborative Life in a Day (2011). The film division also partnered with Image Nation to establish a $100 million fund for developing, producing, financing, and acquiring films.
Immersive Cinema
National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV) specialized in the production and distribution of giant-screen, 3D, and other specialty films, operating under the broader National Geographic Entertainment division. NGCV also launched the Museum Partnership Program, providing museums with branded content for their giant screen theaters. Key films from this division include Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure (2007), Mysteries of the Unseen World (2013), Jerusalem (2013), and Pandas: The Journey Home (2014), offering audiences immersive experiences into diverse subjects.
Corporate Collaborations
In a notable collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, National Geographic partnered with pharmaceutical company Pfizer to produce a sponsored documentary. This film chronicled the development of Pfizer and BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine, showcasing the scientific efforts behind this critical public health achievement. Such partnerships highlight the Society's engagement with contemporary issues and its ability to leverage its storytelling capabilities for broader impact.
Television
Broadcast Evolution
National Geographic television specials and series have graced screens globally for decades, initially airing on major U.S. networks such as CBS (starting 1964), ABC (1973), PBS (1975), and NBC (1995), before finding a permanent home on the National Geographic Channel in 2005. These programs have brought the work of scientific figures like Jacques Cousteau, Jane Goodall, and Louis Leakey to millions, making complex research accessible and inspiring. The iconic theme music by Elmer Bernstein became synonymous with the brand, and many specials were narrated by renowned actors.
Global Channels
The National Geographic-branded television channels have expanded worldwide, offering a diverse range of content focused on science, nature, culture, and history. These include channels like Nat Geo Wild, dedicated to wildlife programming; Nat Geo People, focusing on human stories and cultures; and Nat Geo Kids, providing educational content for younger audiences. The U.S. domestic version of the National Geographic Channel launched in January 2001 as a joint venture, now primarily distributed by The Walt Disney Company's subsidiaries globally.
Explorer Series
Among its long-running and influential television productions is the series National Geographic Explorer. This program has consistently delivered in-depth journalistic and documentary content, taking viewers to remote corners of the world and into the heart of scientific inquiry. It embodies the Society's commitment to showcasing groundbreaking discoveries and fostering a deeper understanding of our planet's diverse environments and inhabitants.
Music
Sonic Journeys
National Geographic Music and Radio (NGMR), a division of National Geographic Ventures, was established to explore the auditory dimensions of the Society's mission. Its scope includes "National Geographic Live!" events, digital music distribution, music publishing, and radio content. NGMR also launched the Nat Geo Music TV channel in parts of Asia and Europe, dedicated to world music and cultural sounds. Initially formed in 2007, the division expanded to become a full-service record label by 2009, with distribution partnerships including Clear Channel, Salem Communications, and NPR.
Digital Presence
In response to the evolving media landscape, NGMR has strategically embraced digital platforms and streaming services. It maintains an active presence on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where it showcases soundtracks from its documentaries, features artist collaborations, and presents music directly related to National Geographic's diverse programming. This digital pivot ensures that the Society's auditory content remains accessible to a global audience, complementing its visual storytelling with rich soundscapes.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official information from the National Geographic Society. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official National Geographic Society publications, websites, or direct communications. Always refer to the official sources for the most current and accurate details regarding the organization's mission, activities, and policies. Never disregard official information because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.