The suggestion for the establishment of INHIGEO in 1967 was chiefly due to the ideas and efforts of the distinguished Russian geologist Vladimir Tikhomirov (1915–1994) from the Geological Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

In so doing, the Commission endeavours to stimulate and coordinate the activities of regional, national, and international organizations having shared purposes.

INHIGEO achieves its objective by sponsoring a major annual symposium with associated field activities.

It also promotes publication of individual and collective works on the history of geology and issues a substantial "Annual Record" that details historical research into earth sciences worldwide, publicises other pertinent historical activities and provides scholarly reviews of recent literature on the subject.

includes a multi-day field component, with the production by the Commission of printed guidebooks.