SHS History & Mission

In 1977, a group of surveyors in California met and agreed to form a new non profit society not bound by any geographical boundaries: Their interest - the preservation of the history of the science of surveying. Their purpose - to form a society that would realize that purpose. Thus, the Surveyors Historical Society (SHS) was formed.

Our Mission: 

The Surveyor's Historical Society documents the evolution of surveying and mapping through the collection and preservation of artifacts, records and accumulated knowledge. The society seeks to use its unique and comprehensive repository of surveying material and the knowledge of its members to develop educational opportunities and support others engaged in similar efforts.

The Surveyors Historical Society is dedicated to the public purposes of preserving historical surveying instruments, artifacts, records and memorabilia. SHS is also dedicated to educating the general public about the history of surveying. The Society has developed programs to honor historical surveying points, and the surveyors who have made significant contributions to the profession through the implementation of a public marker program. SHS cooperates at all opportunities with persons and organizations that share the public benefit purpose of education concerning the history of all branches of the science of surveying.