The National Speleological Society (NSS) is an organization formed in 1941 to advance the
exploration
Exploration refers to the historical practice of discovering remote lands. It is studied by geographers and historians.
Two major eras of exploration occurred in human history: one of convergence, and one of divergence. The first, covering most ...
, conservation, study, and understanding of
caves
A cave or cavern is a natural void in the ground, specifically a space large enough for a human to enter. Caves often form by the weathering of rock and often extend deep underground. The word ''cave'' can refer to smaller openings such as sea ...
in the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
. Originally headquartered in Washington D.C., its current offices are in
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is a city in Madison County, Limestone County, and Morgan County, Alabama, United States. It is the county seat of Madison County. Located in the Appalachian region of northern Alabama, Huntsville is the most populous city in t ...
. The organization engages in the research and scientific study, restoration, exploration, and protection of caves. It has more than 10,000 members in more than 250
grottos
A grotto is a natural or artificial cave used by humans in both modern times and antiquity, and historically or prehistorically. Naturally occurring grottoes are often small caves near water that are usually flooded or often flooded at high ti ...
.
History
The Speleological Society of the District of Columbia (SSDC) was formed on May 6, 1939 by Bill Stephenson. In the fall of 1940, the officers of the SSDC drafted a proposed constitution that would transform the SSDC into the National Speleological Society. On January 24, 1941, Stephenson sent a letter to all members of the SSDC announcing that "on January 1 the Society was reorganized as a national organization." The New England Grotto was the first NSS Grotto. It was chartered in 1941 with Clay Perry as president and
Ned Anderson as vice president.
On February 6, 1974, a pioneering cave diver named
Sheck Exley
Sheck Exley (April 1, 1949 – April 6, 1994) was an American cave diver. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of cave diving, and he wrote two major books on the subject: '' Basic Cave Diving: A Blueprint for Survival'' and ''Caverns Mea ...
became the first chairman of the Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society.
The new section began with 21 members in 10 different states.
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]
Publications
The NSS produces a number of publications, including:
*NSS News, monthly
* Journal of Cave and Karst Studies (quarterly), formerly NSS Bulletin (from 1940–1995).
*Membership Manual, yearly
*American Caving Accidents, every few years
Organization
The organization is currently divided into 11 regions:
*Arizona Regional Association (ARA)
*Mid-Appalachian Region (MAR)
*Mississippi Valley-Ozark Region (MVOR)
*Northeastern Regional Organization (NRO)
*Northwest Caving Association (NCA)
*Rocky Mountain Region
*Southeastern Regional Association (SERA)
*Southwestern Region (SWR)
*Texas Speleological Association (TSA)
*Virginia Region (VAR)
*Western Region
Within these regions are local chapters known as grottos
A grotto is a natural or artificial cave used by humans in both modern times and antiquity, and historically or prehistorically. Naturally occurring grottoes are often small caves near water that are usually flooded or often flooded at high ti ...
. The grottos carry out the local-level recreational and conservation-related business of the NSS. They generally function as the local NSS chapter/club. Many Grottos however operate in areas outside of their local area, with many operating in several states.[
] Most Grottos also participate in Regions that are loose associations of Grottos.
Convention
The NSS hosts a yearly convention, which is generally held in June. Grottos take turns hosting the convention.
Awards
The Society makes a series of awards, presented during its annual convention:
Photos
File:NSS Convention 2018 Banquet.jpg, 2018 banquet
File:NSS Convention 2018 Board Meeting.jpg, 2018 open board meeting
File:NSS Convention 2018 Speleolympics.jpg, 2018 "Speleolympics" competition
See also
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References
External links
The National Speleological SocietyJournal of Cave and Karst Studies (National Speleological Society)
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Caving organizations in the United States
Scientific societies based in the United States
Cave conservancies
Organizations based in Alabama