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Welcome to the Geological Society of America
The Geological Society of America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the
advancement of the geosciences. The Society was founded in New York in 1888.
GSA is the first enduring society for the geosciences in the United States. In 1968,
GSA headquarters offices moved from New York to Boulder, Colorado, and are
now housed in a one-of-a-kind building at 3300 Penrose Place.The GSA headquar-
ters building was constructed in 1972 to serve as a center for Society operations,
programs, and activities. At that time, it was also determined that it should serve
as a display gallery for the many rock and mineral specimens and other geologic
works of art, natural and manufactured, that have been given to the Society since
its founding.
GSA is an expanding global membership society with more than 25,000 mem-
bers in 103 countries.Thirty percent of its members are students.The Society’s pri-
mary activities are organizing scientific meetings and conferences and publishing
scientific literature. Other activities include disbursing research grants, operating
an employment matching and interview service, honoring outstanding scientific
contributors with medals and awards, assisting teachers in geoscience education,
and fostering public awareness of geoscience issues.
Visitors are always welcome at GSA, and we encourage you to tour the build-
ing and its grounds so that you, too, may appreciate the beauty of these objects
and also catch a glimpse of the GSA headquarters staff at work.
This booklet has been prepared to lead you on a self-guided tour of the build-
ing. Specimens and other art objects are grouped by floor and a detailed descrip-
tion of each item is provided.
The Society is deeply indebted to all those friends at GSA who have donated
objects for display. Their thoughtfulness and generosity make it possible for all
who appreciate the beauty of nature to enjoy these treasures.
Again, welcome to GSA, and enjoy your tour.
John W. Hess, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Photo by Benjamin F. Smith Imaging.
