The American Geographical Society (AGS) (1851 - Present) is an organization founded in in New York City 1851 by thirty-one New Yorkers. Organized to search for the lost Franklin Expedition, the search for Franklin proved unsuccessful. However, the AGS remained, and members played roles in surveying for the transcontinental railway and supported continued exploration efforts. Its main areas of focus were the Arctic, Antarctic, and Latin America and any exploration it sponsored was required to produce tangible scientific results. Today, after nearly 175 years, the AGS is still in operation and focuses its energy on promoting geographical education.