The Geological Society of America (GSA), a leading institution in the advancement and dissemination of geoscience knowledge, has announced a significant transformation within one of its divisions. Formerly known as the History and Philosophy of Geology Division, it has officially adopted the new title of the History, Philosophy, and Geoheritage (HPG) Division. This change, endorsed by an overwhelming majority of its members, represents a strategic expansion of the division’s mission to incorporate the emerging and critical concept of geoheritage, underscoring its increasing importance within the geoscience community.
Geoheritage, defined as the recognition, appreciation, preservation, and management of sites, landscapes, and structures of geological significance, has steadily gained traction as an interdisciplinary area of study. It acts as a bridge not only between geology and other scientific disciplines but also between the sciences and broader cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts. This inclusion positions the HPG Division at the forefront of integrating geological heritage into public engagement, education, and conservation efforts, thereby enriching the societal relevance of geosciences.
Kerry Magruder, chair of the HPG Division, emphasizes that geoheritage is far more than an adjunct subject. “Geoheritage bridges science with culture, conservation, and education,” Magruder states, “and integrating geoheritage specifically into our name reflects our commitment to fostering those connections.” This declaration affirms a growing recognition within the geoscience community that geological sites play a pivotal role in understanding Earth’s history, evolutionary processes, and the interaction between humans and their environment across temporal scales.
The burgeoning relevance of geoheritage is further evidenced by GSA’s recent sponsorship of the U.S. Geoheritage Committee, signaling a deepened institutional commitment. This step aligns with a broader movement across geosciences that advocates for the conservation of geosites with significant scientific, educational, cultural, or aesthetic value. Within this paradigm, geoheritage serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary dialogue, encompassing geology’s scientific narratives alongside historical understanding, philosophical inquiry, and ethical stewardship.
Nathan Niemi, the current GSA President, articulates that the integration of geoheritage into the HPG Division echoes GSA’s overarching vision “of honoring Earth’s legacy through science, education, and stewardship.” This vision underlines an increasingly holistic approach in geosciences, where preserving Earth’s physical record is not only a scientific objective but also a societal responsibility. This approach promotes a collaborative ethos that partners scientists, educators, policymakers, and communities in safeguarding geoheritage at multiple scales.
To catalyze scholarly discourse and public engagement around geoheritage, the HPG Division will convene two dedicated sessions at GSA Connects 2025, scheduled in San Antonio, Texas. These sessions aim to explore the manifold meanings and implications of geoheritage across a broad spectrum of boundaries—historical, disciplinary, geographical, national, political, institutional, and philosophical. The call for abstracts, open until August 6, highlights the division’s commitment to encouraging diverse contributions and fostering comprehensive perspectives on geoheritage within the geoscience community.
Expanding beyond conference participation, the HPG Division is positioning itself to spearhead new initiatives that will enhance accessibility and collaborative engagement related to geoheritage. Among these initiatives is the launch of a Geoheritage Webinar Series designed to disseminate foundational knowledge and recent advances in the field. The inaugural webinar, titled Foundations of U.S. Geoheritage Efforts: Preserving the Past, Advancing the Future, is currently accessible in GSA’s webinar library, providing an essential resource for professionals, educators, and the interested public alike.
In alignment with the digital age’s demands, the division plans to collaborate across scientific divisions within GSA as well as with external partners to increase open access to geoheritage-related publications. Such open access drastically improves the reach and impact of research, ensuring that knowledge about vital geosites and conservation efforts flows freely within and beyond academic circles. This push also supports the objective of building a robust, interdisciplinary knowledge base that informs sound stewardship and public policy.
Furthermore, the establishment of a centralized online geoheritage resource center is a key priority. This digital hub will serve as a comprehensive platform for geoheritage information, offering educational materials, research findings, policy guidelines, and interactive tools for a variety of stakeholders. By consolidating resources, the center will facilitate more effective communication and collaboration among scientists, historians, philosophers, educators, conservators, and community advocates, strengthening the geoheritage network.
The HPG Division’s renewed focus on geoheritage also envisages new cross-disciplinary engagement opportunities for members. Recognizing the inherently interdisciplinary nature of geoheritage, these opportunities aim to cultivate collaborations that transcend traditional scientific silos, engaging experts in history, philosophy, cultural studies, and education alongside geologists and Earth scientists. This integrative strategy addresses complex challenges such as balancing conservation with development, interpreting geoscience in sociocultural contexts, and fostering inclusive engagement with diverse public audiences.
Melanie Brandt, GSA’s Executive Director and CEO, encapsulates this evolutionary step succinctly: “This is a natural evolution that will foster growth, innovation, and deeper connections across disciplines and institutions.” Her statement reflects an organizational acknowledgment that advancing geoheritage appreciation and preservation requires innovative frameworks and robust partnerships that unite science with societal values.
For those wishing to learn more or participate in shaping the future of geoheritage, the HPG Division provides comprehensive information and opportunities through its dedicated website. Visitors can find updates on upcoming events, calls for participation, and access to a growing body of resources designed to support both specialists and enthusiasts in the vibrant field of geoheritage.
The Geological Society of America, with over 17,000 members worldwide, continues to play a pivotal role in connecting scientific understanding with public awareness and policy action. As one of the foremost voices in Earth sciences, GSA not only advances knowledge of Earth’s dynamic processes but also actively fosters cross-sector collaboration to ensure the responsible stewardship of our planet’s natural heritage. This strategic enlargement of the HPG Division’s scope exemplifies GSA’s broader mission to drive geoscience forward in ways that are scientifically rigorous, culturally resonant, and globally impactful.
By embracing geoheritage as a fundamental pillar alongside the history and philosophy of geology, GSA sets an inspiring precedent for other scientific organizations. This initiative recognizes the profound value of geological knowledge not only as a scientific pursuit but as a vital component in maintaining the Earth’s legacy—an endeavor that requires integrated scholarship, thoughtful public engagement, and dedicated stewardship in the face of ongoing environmental and societal changes.
Subject of Research: Geoheritage integration in geoscience disciplines and institutional strategy within the Geological Society of America
Article Title: Geological Society of America’s History, Philosophy, and Geoheritage Division: Bridging Science, Culture, and Stewardship
News Publication Date: 2024
Web References:
Keywords: Geology, Geoheritage, Geological Society of America, Scientific community, Scientific organizations, Scientific associations, Earth sciences, Conservation, Public engagement, Interdisciplinary research
