On January 27, 1888, the National Geographic Society was
incorporated in Washington, D.C., for “the increase and
diffusion of geographical knowledge.

The 33 men who originally met and formed the National
Geographic Society were a diverse group of geographers,
explorers, teachers, lawyers, military officers and financiers.

All shared an interest in scientific and geographical knowledge,
as well as an opinion that in a time of discovery, invention,
change and mass communication, Americans were becoming
more curious about the world around them.