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An Early History of the Academy

Academy Members throughout our history have had not only a significant impact on the sciences, but have also helped to shape and build numerous scientific organizations, places of learning, and companies throughout the US.

Herman Le Roy Fairchild was no exception. After years of teaching and then serving as Secretary to the Academy in the late 1800s, he went on to found the Geological Society of America, to write an important early geology textbook, and to make very important contributions to the study of the geology of the Finger Lakes region of New York as well as our understanding of meteorites and their impact on Earth's surface.

Somehow, in the midst of all that, Fairchild also managed to publish an important early history of the Academy, which you can read in full above. Drawing on early letters, meeting minutes, and other important documents tied to the Academy’s early years, Fairchild was able to lay out the foundation of the Academy and give readers a taste of some of the remarkable collaborations and early Members who helped shape our history.