RGSSA's 140th Anniversay

The RGSSA is a voluntary, not-for profit organisation for advancing geographical science and promoting public awareness and enjoyment of Geography and related topics. This year marks its 140th anniversary which will be celebrated with an event to remember!

Details of the celebration will be advised later in the year.  The Society has achieved many things in its 140 year history including: 

• 1885 – RGSSA founded in Adelaide as a branch of the “Geographical Society of Australasia”. 
• 1891 – Elder Scientific Exploration Expedition supported (Adelaide to Geraldton). 
• 1896 – Calvert Scientific Exploration Expedition supported (Western Australia). 
• 1905 – purchased York Gate Library (a major private collection amassed by a London merchant relating to geography, exploration and colonization) and gained a permanent home in State Library of South Australia (SLSA). 
• 1947 – instigated a series of undergraduate and post graduate awards, which have been added to over the years to include recognition of noteworthy geographical achievements and exception service to the Society. 
• 1960 – mounted an exhibition for the first Festival of Arts. 
• 1985 – published a centenary history “The Branch without a Tree”. 
• 2018 – worked with Geography Teachers Association SA to establish fieldwork awards to encourage school students to engage with geographical issues. 
• 2023 – Library Research Fellowships created to support researchers using the Society’s library. 
• 2025 – major refurbishment of Society’s Library in the Mortlock Wing of SLSA.