Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by Roland Berrill and Dr Lance Ware. They had the idea of forming a society for bright people, with the only qualification for membership being that high IQ. The original aim was, as it is today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions. The Society therefore welcomes people from every walk of life, with the sole qualifier being an IQ in the top 2% of the population. Its objective is simply to enjoy each other's company while participating in a wide range of social and cultural activities.

Mensa has three stated purposes: to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity; to encourage research into the nature, characteristics and uses of intelligence; and to promote stimulating intellectual and social opportunities for its members.

With more than 50,000 members, American Mensa is the largest national Mensa operating under the auspices of Mensa International, Ltd. There are currently more than 100,000 members worldwide.

American Mensa is divided into 10 regions. We are part of Mensa's Region 2, the Middle Atlantic region, which also includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Central Pennsylvania Mensa is one of four Mensa chapters in the state of Pennsylvania. The others are Western Pennsylvania Mensa, Lehigh Pocono Mensa, and Delaware Valley Mensa.

Check out our new Mensa News page for information on Regional Gatherings, online communities, and other current Mensa news.