[New York City, NY] – The American Geographical Society (AGS) 175th Anniversary Celebration features a historic ceremony at the Explorers Club in New York City, where renowned astronaut, oceanographer, and explorer Dr. Kathy Sullivan will sign the Society’s iconic Fliers’ & Explorers’ Globe. This event will take place September 15, 2026, starting at 5:30 pm.
For nearly a century, the Fliers’ & Explorers’ Globe has served as a living record of human exploration. Since 1929, the globe has borne the signatures and routes of many of history’s greatest explorers and aviators, including Robert Peary, Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, Sir Edmund Hillary, John Glenn, and Neil Armstrong. On September 15, Dr. Sullivan will add her name to this extraordinary legacy, adding another mark to one of geography’s most treasured artifacts.
Dr. Sullivan exemplifies new boundaries of exploration. She became the first American woman to walk in space during the Space Shuttle Challenger mission in 1984 and later became the first person to both walk in space and descend to the deepest known point in the ocean. Her career spans decades of scientific leadership, exploration, and public service, inspiring generations to pursue discovery across the Earth and beyond.
“Dr. Kathy Sullivan embodies the curiosity, courage, and commitment to discovery that have defined the American Geographical Society for 175 years,” said Lee Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of the American Geographical Society. “Her signature on the Fliers’ & Explorers’ Globe recognizes not only her extraordinary accomplishments but also the enduring human drive to explore the unknown and expand our understanding of our planet.” “She exemplifies the best of humanity’s efforts to understand and witness the outer reaches of our worlds,” said Deborah Popper, AGS vice president and chair of the honors and awards committee.
The globe signing is one of the signature events of AGS’s 175th anniversary and is part of the Society’s 175 Campaign, which supports geographic literacy, GeoSTEM education, ethical geospatial innovation, research, and exploration. Donors who contribute $175 or more to the campaign are invited to attend this exclusive ceremony and witness history as Dr. Sullivan becomes the latest explorer to sign the globe.
Founded in 1851, the American Geographical Society was the first professional geographical organization in the United States. For 175 years, AGS has advanced geographic knowledge through research, education, exploration, and collaboration, helping people better understand the connections between people, places, and the planet.
For more information about the AGS 175 Campaign or to make a contribution, visit americangeo.org/donate.