----------------------------Original message---------------------------- ================= Begin forwarded message ================= From: [log in to unmask] (unknown) To: [log in to unmask] Subject: SHD Date: Fri, 22 Dec The Society for the History of Discoveries was formed to stimulate interest in teaching, research, and publishing the history of geographical exploration. Founded in 1960, the Society includes members from several academic disciplines as well as archivists, non-affiliated scholars, and laypersons with an interest in the history of geographical exploration. The scope of the Society's activities encompasses the discovery, exploration, and mapping of the earth's land and sea surface from earliest times to the present - the explorers and the explored. Fields of specialization include the history of European expansion, cartography, navigation, colonial settlement, biography, and bibliography. The Society is affiliated with the Council of Learned Societies of the American Historical Association and its program of publications includes Terrac Incognitae, a journal of research papers and book reviews published annually since 1969, as well as five volumes in the series Studies in the History of Discovery published jointly with the Newberry Library. In addition, the spring Newsletter reports current and planned activities of the Society's members and general news related to the history of cartography, discovery, and exploration. Annual meetings are generally held in October/November and although it has been usual to hold them in the United States, the increasingly international composition of the membership has resulted in exceptions (Ottawa in 1983, London in 1987, Jamaica in 1990). These meetings, generally hosted by a local organization such as a university, library, or historical society, are planned well in advance (1996 in Portland, ME, 1997 in St. John's, Newfoundland) and are well attended. Two or three days in duration and sometimes held jointly with kindred societies (e.g., the Hakluyt Society, the North American Society for Oceanic History), they afford members an opportunity to present, hear, and discuss papers on subjects in their fields of specialization; most meetings also include visits to or participation in nearby points of interest and events. All members receive a subscription to Terrae Incognitae as well as the Annual Report, membership list, Newsletter, special publications, and invitations to all Society meetings. Current membership is about 350 from 22 countries. The Society is governed by a President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and a six-member Council. There are four levels of membership: Regular ($30 or L15), Contributing ($50 or L35), Life ($375 or L250), and Student/Emeritus ($15 or L10). For a brochure and membership application, contact Eric W. Wolf, Secretary-Treasurer, 6300 Waterway Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044-1316, USA, [log in to unmask], 703-256-9217.