In 1888, Gardiner Greene Hubbard founded the National Geographic Society alongside wealthy travel enthusiasts, scientists, and explorers in part to increase and expand the world’s geographical knowledge. From there, its goals have broadened to include the pursuit of science, culture, archaeology, history, and conservation. National Geographic Magazine has continued to follow the original motto for the organization: “Further.” Now, National Geographic is celebrating its anniversary with a supercut of the covers from every issue published over the course of the last 130 years.
One of the most striking things in the video is that National Geographic didn’t start regularly placing photos on its covers until the late ’50s. It’s also a time capsule for the many decades of its existence, including both World Wars, as well as the ongoing changes in culture and technology that have greatly transformed life as we know it.
With so many stories to choose from over the years, the two-minute supercut only stops to place its focus upon a few milestones. That includes Alexander Graham Bell’s stint as the President of the National Geographic Society (in addition to his part in the creation of the telephone), Hiram Bingham’s exploration of the Peruvian Andes, Doctor Jane Goodall‘s pioneering research with chimpanzees, and the rediscovery of the Titanic‘s wreckage, in addition to a more recent story about a transgender child. And that’s just scratching the surface. Even after 130 years, there’s still a need for National Geographic Magazine to keep pushing forward. After all, it’s a big world, and somebody has to explore it.
What do you think about the National Geographic Magazine covers supercut? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Images: National Geographic
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