W elcome to the Geological Society of America The Geological S ociety of America is a nonproft org anization dedicated to the advancement of the geosciences The S ociety w as founded in New Y ork in 1 888 GS A is the fr st enduring society for the geosciences in the United States In 1 968 GS A headquar ter s offces mo ved from New Y ork to Boulder Colorado and are now housed in a oneofakind building at 330 0 P enrose Place The GS A headquar ter s building w as constructed in 1 972 to serve as a center for S ociety operations programs and acti vities At that time it w as also determined that it should serve as a display g allery for the man y roc k and mineral specimens and other geologic works of ar t natural and manufactured that have been gi ven to the S ociety since its founding GS A is an expanding global member ship society with more than 250 0 0 mem ber s in 1 03 countries Thir ty percent of its member s are students The S ociety s pri mary acti vities are org anizing scientifc meetings and conferences and publishing scientifc literature Other acti vities include disbur sing researc h grants operating an employment matc hing and interview service honoring outstanding scientifc contributor s with medals and aw ards assisting teac her s in geoscience education and fostering public aw areness of geoscience issues V isitor s are alw ays welcome at GS A and we encourage you to tour the build ing and its grounds so that you too may appreciate the beauty of these objects and also catc h a glimpse of the GS A headquar ter s staf f at work This booklet has been prepared to lead you on a selfguided tour of the build ing Specimens and other ar t objects are grouped by foor and a detailed descrip tion of eac h item is pro vided The S ociety is deeply indebted to all those friends at GS A who have donated objects for display Their thoughtfulness and generosity mak e it possible for all who appreciate the beauty of nature to enjoy these treasures Ag ain welcome to GS A and enjoy your tour J ohn W Hess PhD Executi ve Director Photo by Benjamin F Smith Imaging