The Flyers Explorers Globe

2. The American Geographical Society acquired its Fliers’ & Explorers’ Globe in 1929 as a gift from AGS President John H. Finley. As Editor-in-Chief of the New York Times, Finley invited early heroes of exploration and aviation to draw their routes and sign their names on the 18-inch globe. Signers of the Fliers’ & Explorers’ Globe over the years are men and women who have explored certain places on earth for the first time in recorded history, reached new extremes of height or depth, pioneered new means of travel, or set aviation records. Their accomplishments have been made at great personal physical risk. The Society has continued the custom and, in so doing, has created a remarkable and unique symbol of humanity’s unquenchable drive to explore the universe. Signers of the Fliers’ & Explorers’ Globe are proposed by AGS’ Exploration Committee for approval by the AGS Honors Committee and confirmation by the AGS Council.

3. A priceless record of historically significant events of human achievement Recognition of great exploration achievements,including, but not limited to, those in aviation The importance of geography in understanding the world around us The American Geographical Society and its longstanding role in exploration

4. The AGS has developed successful corporate sponsorships in support of the Globe… AGS developed corporate sponsorships in support of the Globe to raise awareness of the historical importance of the Globe and Exploration, and to further awareness and support of the AGS Marsh Aviation and Delta Air Lines led the sponsorship of two Globe signing events in 2004  USAIG, a leading aviation insurer, contributed funds to support Globe refurbishment The AGS offers additional sponsorships by corporations, museums and individuals for future Globe signings and corporate or “museum” public displays to further understanding and awareness of the Globeand its historical importance

8. 2004 Globe appearances… New York, March 2004, attendees join old and new signers of the globe at the Powerhouse in the Museum of Natural History.  Event honorees, and new Globe signers included William Anderson – 1958 commander of the submarine NAUTILUS, first vessel to cross the North Pole by water Ann Bancroft - first woman to reach both the North Pole (1986 by dog sled) and South Pole (1993 on skis) Liv Arneson - one of the first women to ski and sail across the Antarctic Landmass in 2001 Junko Tabei – first woman to climb Mt. Everest in 1975 Prior signers who introduced the new honorees for this event: Brian Jones - carried out the first non-stop round the world flight in a balloon, Breitling Orbiter 3 William (Bill) Anders: First lunar orbital mission, 1968, Lunar Module Pilot, Apollo 8 Don Walsh - dived deeper than any other humans in history when they descended to the bottom of the Marianas Trench in 1960

11. 2004 Globe Appearances, continued Atlanta, May 2004, our second event, was hosted at the Atlanta History Center.  Event honorees, and new Globe signers included: Bryan Allen – the first person to fly a human-powered aircraft 22 miles across the English Channel in 1979 Dr. Sylvia Earle – walked unassisted on the sea floor at a record depth of 1,250 feet below the surface in 1979 Edith Ronne – In 1947, became one of the first women to winter-over Antarctica  Introducing Event honorees included: Neil Armstrong - the first person to set foot on the moon's surface in 1969 Keith Greenaway - navigated the first U.S. military flight in 1946 over the North Pole George Lowe - a member of the 1953 British Everest Expedition, the first team to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.