The American Polar Society was founded in 1934 by August Howard.[1][2][3]
August Howard, founder of the American Polar Society and the editor of a newsletter for polar explorers and researchers, died of heart disease Sunday. He was 78 years old and lived in Rego Park, Queens. ...
In a letter of July 31, 1934, August Howard proposed the creation of a privately funded organization that would serve as a clearinghouse of information about Antarctica. He noted that public interest was at a fever pitch and there was the likelihood of financial support from the Columbia Broadcasting System, Paramount, and The New York Times. A special polar library, to house information about Antarctica, could be created in either the American Geographical Society or in the American Museum of Natural History. ... On November 29, 1934, notice of the organization of the American Antarctic Society was mailed to potential members. The American Museum of Natural History offered space for meetings and a mailing address. By January 1, 1935, there were twenty-five members. A few months later, Fred Meinholtz of The New York Times proposed to change the name from the American Antarctic Society to the American Polar Society. ...