Page 7 - visitorGuide

Preface

After many years of borrowing, owning, and renting offices in New York and
then westward in Boulder, Colorado, the Geological Society of America finally
moved into its own headquarters building in the autumn of 1972. Its street ad-
dress, 3300 Penrose Place, was no accident; the staff arranged with the city to
name the street in honor of the Society’s benefactor, Richard A.F. Penrose, Jr.

Thanks to a generous endowment from Penrose, carefully tended by succes-
sive investment committees, to an able and cooperative architect and builder, and
to the vision of many people on the GSA Council and staff, the headquarters build-
ing is not only functional but pleasing to the eye. Penrose’s memory is kept alive,
both through the building itself, and through the many pieces of his personal
memorabilia—his rocking chair, his magnificent globe, and part of his outstand-
ing library, which is rich in books on early explorations—housed in the building.

Though it was built more than forty years ago, the headquarters building bucks
tradition with its unusual and spacious design and exhibits the grace and symme-
try of Earth’s materials.The many people associated with its planning were highly
concerned with the view, the landscaping, and the ease and comfort of the staff.
We hope the rocks, minerals, and colors that decorate our building will remind
staff members and visitors how rich in color, form, and texture are the natural
features of our Earth’s crust.

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