18 August 2020 Russian Geographical Society is 175 Years Old On 18 August 2020, the Russian Geographical Society celebrates 175 since its foundation. Established by Nikolas I in 1845, it is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world.
The founding fathers stated its mission as exploration of the native land and studies of the peoples inhabiting it. Researchers, statesmen, aristocracy and royalty have been proud members of the society. Rich merchants and industrialists saw it as an honor to sponsor expeditions to Siberia, Asia and the Far East, funding publication of maps and expanding the membership. Russian emperors served as trustees of the society and since 2009, this role is played by the President of the Russian Federation. | Sergey Semyashkin, member of the Russian Geographical Society |
The National Library is actively cooperating with the Komi Branch of the Russian Geographical Society. In May 2017, for example, we organized a meeting with a seasoned traveler and tourist guide Sergey Semyashkin, a member of the RGS, who shared a story of his personal reconstruction of the famous Dyatlov expedition to the Northern Urals in 1959, which resulted in the tragic and mysterious demise of the entire crew. Alongside with his version of that incident, Sergey Semyashkin presented his photo exhibition - The Republic of Komi: Bewitching, Alluring, Mine. | Geographical Dictation, November 2017 |
Traditionally, the National Library of Komi hosts the annual Geographical Dictation. It is usually a crowded event with participants of different ages and professional backgrounds testing their knowledge of the subject. | Professor Alexander Pilyasov |
In February 2019, the Komi Branch of the RGS negotiated a visit of economist and geographer Professor Lexander Pilyasov to Syktyvkar who was a guest speaker at the National library covering the problems of the Russian Arctic and new economic and environmental challenges in the Russian North.
Celebrating the 175 anniversary year of the Russian Geographical Society together with our partners, we wish them bright discoveries, safe travels and implementation of ambitious initiatives. | 
