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Introduction to the Geological Society of America

In its 125th anniversary year, the Geological Society of America (GSA) has grown along with the
times, while staying true to its mission as a steward of the geosciences. Founded in 1888 by some of
the great geologists of the day, including James Hall, James Dwight Dana, and Alexander Winchell,
the Society relocated from New York to Boulder, Colorado, in 1968, and in 1972, moved across town
into what has become a one-of-a-kind, solar-paneled building.

In keeping with GSA’s mission to be a leader in advancing the geosciences, the Society offers its
25,000 members a variety of publications, which include top-ranked journals Geology, GSA Bulletin,
Geosphere, Lithosphere, Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, and the science and news pub-
lication GSAToday. It also publishes four well-respected books series: Field Guides, Special Papers,
Memoirs, and Reviews in Engineering Geology.

Back in 1890, GSA Bulletin was the first GSA journal to make it into the hands of geologists. Now,
readers access the latest developments in geology with online ahead-of-print articles and use their
smartphones to view papers via mobile-optimized sites. Always progressive and forward-thinking,
GSA continuously looks for ways to promote the geosciences and to provide services to its world-
wide membership via social networks, includingTwitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and smartphone apps.

Investing in the future of the geosciences is a key component of GSA’s mission as it celebrates
its 125th year. Through its Education and Outreach and Employment Service programs, the Society
offers numerous resources for diverse groups within the geosciences, including students, job seek-
ers looking to advance in geoscience or geoscience-related career paths, geoscience educators,
and members of the public. GSA members have access to employment assistance and mentor
programs and are also encouraged to apply for field program awards and travel grants, and enroll in
short courses. Through www.geosociety.org/educate, K–12 educators may download lesson plans
and programming ideas. GSA, along with many partners and sponsors, fuels interest in geologic
features with EarthCache™. This program allows anyone with a GPS unit to locate and study these
features around the world.

As GSA celebrates 125 years of service to the worldwide community of geoscientists, whether in
academia, industry, policy, or for students in preparation for one of these careers, its annual meet-
ing remains a touchstone for the geoscience community at large. Seventeen specialty divisions,

Photo courtesy of Tim Ray, Vantage Point Imagery.

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