HistoryPrior to 1963, numerous societies existed in the United States to focus on the science of geology and upon specialty areas within this science, but many geological scientists were concerned about the lack of any national organization that focused on geology as a profession. The practice of geology, particularly with respect to public responsibility, regulation, and business practice, had no established guidelines and no national representation. This deficiency was finally addressed in 1963, when a small group of dedicated geologists met in Golden, Colorado, to compose the Constitution and Bylaws for the American Institute of Professional Geologists. November 14, 1963, when AIPG was chartered as a non-profit corporation, is considered the official date of the founding of the Institute. Members were distinguished as a