American Geographical Society (AGS), oldest geographical society in the United States, founded 1852 in New York City. Its purpose is to advance the science of geography through discussion and publication. The society maintains its collection in the library at the Univ. of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. Its archives contain many rare maps and globes, historic letters, and artifacts from explorations. Formerly noted for its support of scientific research and exploration, for its research facilities (extensively used by the federal government during the 1919 Paris Peace Conference and again during World War II), and for its cartographic work, the society's work has become chiefly educational and informational. The Geographical Review is its quarterly journal.
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