Exhibition Join In: Voluntary Assocations in America

Amelia Earhart (1897–1939) to Harriet Adams (1892–1982) about her election to SWG, June 6, 1931. Society of Woman Geographers Records, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (056.00.00)

Amelia Earhart receiving the first gold medal from the SWG, New York, January 5, 1933. Society of Woman Geographers Records, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (057.00.00)

Amelia Earhart coin. Society of Woman Geographers Records, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (058.00.00)

Society of Woman Geographers brochure showing Deborah Atwood with SWG flag at Mt. Kilimanjaro, 2009. Society of Woman Geographers Records, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (059.00.00)

Excerpt from abstract of speech by Margaret Mead to New York Group of Woman Geographers upon receiving the Society’s Gold Medal, February 23, 1942. Society of Woman Geographers Records, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (060.00.00)

Society of Woman Geographers

Excluded from membership in most professional organizations that promoted world exploration, geography, anthropology, and allied fields because of their sex, a small group of women founded the Society of Woman Geographers (SWG) in 1925. The SWG filled the need to exchange ideas and offer mutual encouragement among these professional women. Amelia Earhart, the famous female aviator, was elected to the SWG in 1931 and received the organization’s first gold medal in 1933. Later, anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978) received the prestigious medal, which is still awarded today. As women gained entrance into a broader array of professions over the course of the twentieth century, SWG member occupations and scholarly output reflect changes in women’s career opportunities.