Title: “January 27, 1888 – The Founding of the National Geographic Society”

Introduction:
For well over a century now, the National Geographic Society (NGS) has been enlightening the world about our planet’s diverse cultures, mesmerizing wildlife, and stunning geography. On January 27, 1888, a group of 33 explorers, scientists, and other well-traveled individuals met at the Cosmos Club in Washington D.C. where they officially founded the NGS, a non-profit organization dedicated to geographical education and exploration worldwide.

Event Details:
Initially, the Society had lofty aims: “The increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge.” They immediately set to work, electing as their first president Gardiner Greene Hubbard, father-in-law to Alexander Graham Bell, the famed inventor of the telephone. Within nine months of establishment, the Society published its first issue of National Geographic Magazine, setting the stage for the world-renowned magazine we know today.

Interestingly, photographs were not included in the magazine until 1890, two years after their founding. This shift marked the beginning of what we now associate most with National Geographic – vibrant, in-depth photographs of landscapes, people, and animals from around the globe.

Exciting Facts for Kids:
– Did you know that the National Geographic Society’s official logo is a bright yellow rectangle? It was designed to be a distinctive window to the world!
– The original price for a yearly membership, which included the National Geographic Magazine, was only $2 in 1888. That’s less than a cup of coffee today!
– Did you know that National Geographic funded Robert Ballard’s mission to find the Titanic in 1985?

Educational Activities for Kids:
– Design your own National Geographic cover! Using your creative skills, draw or photograph what you think should be featured on the next cover.
– Host a mock “National Geographic Bee” (originally introduced by NGS in 1989) – a geography quiz where you can test your knowledge about the world’s environments, cultures, and historical landmarks.
– Start an explorer’s journal like those who work for National Geographic. Every day, write about something new you’ve learned about the world.

Conclusion:
The founding of the National Geographic Society on January 27, 1888, serves as a cornerstone in the development of our understanding of the world’s diverse anthropological, environmental, and historical aspects. For over 130 years, NGS has fulfilled its mission, fostering a broader view of the world in which we live. Therefore, January 27 isn’t just an everyday page on the calendar; it’s a date that remembers and celebrates the spirit of exploration, education, and the ever-growing geographic knowledge.

References:
– “About the National Geographic Society.” National Geographic Society. Retrieved from www.nationalgeographic.org/about-us/
– “History of National Geographic Society.” Wikipedia. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Geographic_Society#History
– “1888: The First Issue of National Geographic Magazine – National Geographic Society (blogs).” National Geographic, 13 Oct. 2016, voices.nationalgeographic.org/2012/09/22/1888-the-first-issue-of-national-geographic-magazine/.
– “National Geographic Kids – Fun Facts.” National Geographic Kids. Retrieved from kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/wacky-weekend/money-facts.

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