Since
1888, National Geographic magazine has helped promote understanding,
appreciation and conservation of the diverse cultures, geography
and habitats that make up our world. Gilbert M. Grosvenor, the
14th President of the National Georgraphic Society, the organization
that publishes the magazine, was the 5th generation of his family
to serve in that position. His grandfather, Gilbert H. Grosvenor,
was the magazine's first full-time editor, and Gilbert M. Grosvenor
followed in his footsteps, editing National Geographic Magazine
from 1970 to 1980. In 1975 he started what is now National
Geographic Kids to help inspire love and understanding of
the world's geography and cultures for a younger audience. Ten
years later, he helped launch a National Georgraphic program to
improve geography education in US schools, and since then more
than 100 million dollars has been raised. For his dedication and
achievements, Gilbert M. Grosvenor received the Presidential Medal
of Freedom in 2004.
