Administrative History
The Society of Woman Geographers (SWG) was founded in 1925 by four friends -- Gertrude Emerson Sen, Marguerite Harrison, Blair Niles, and Gertrude Mathews Shelby -- to bring together women actively interested in geography, world exploration, anthropology, and allied disciplines. Analogous to the Explorers Club, which did not admit women until 1981, the SWG provided a forum for its members to exchange knowledge, recognize excellence, and offer mutual encouragement. Chapters were organized in New York and Washington, now the group's headquarters, and later in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Florida, and New England. At-large and corresponding members have resided throughout the United States and in more than fifty countries around the world.
Membership in SWG is gained by election following a process of nomination and evaluation. Active members are those who have conducted research and fieldwork, are recognized authorities in their disciplines, and have contributed to the world's knowledge through their publications, films, photographs, or artistic works. Associate members are similarly well-traveled women whose interests and activities are compatible with those of active members, but who do not fulfill all requirements of active membership. More than one thousand women have become members since the SWG's inception.