Today in History: Gilbert Grosvenor & National Geographic
Today in History–October 28–the Library of Congress features editor and president of the National Geographic Society, Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, born on this date in 1875. Just 9 years after immigrating from Turkey to the United States, Grosvenor began working as an assistant editor at National Geographic upon the recommendation of family friend Alexander Graham Bell. Just four years later he became the magazine’s editor-in-chief. Grosvenor developed the photographic and cartographic departments, which boosted circulation and enabled the Society to sponsor expeditions and research projects including Admiral Robert Peary‘s 1909 expedition to the North Pole, Hiram Bingham’s 1911 discovery of Machu Picchu, and William Beebe’s 1934 record-setting undersea descent. Learn more about Grosvenor and the fabulous National Geographic Society by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below to access more primary sources.
Gilbert Grosvenor correspondence
Gilbert Grosvenor historical newspaper coverage
National Geographic Society historical newspaper coverage
National Geographic President Gilbert H. Grosvenor Was Born from America’s Library
Two Expeditions to Mount St. Elias: The Expedition of the National Geographic Society and the United States Geological Survey The Century Volume 41, Issue 6, Apr 1891
National Geographic Society website
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