We live on an amazing planet—one that is brimming with life, culture and new natural wonders waiting to be discovered. The National Museum of Natural History seeks to understand the natural world and our place in it. We are the documented record of our planet and its place in the solar system. Our vast collections of over 148 million specimens and objects document natural and cultural diversity and provide long-term baselines that provide the keys to understanding changes in the planet’s physical environments, biodiversity and human cultures.
The coming years will be among the most consequential in human history as we experience the ever-growing impact of human activity on nature. Through our scientific research, expertise, collections and trusted educational platforms and exhibits, we provide knowledge and opportunities to understand and overcome these immense challenges of our time.
Under the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, and more directly embedded in the Smithsonian’s Life on a Sustainable Planet science strategy, the museum is raising support for our four priority Science Initiatives: Ocean Science Center, Our Unique Planet, Inclusive Science Initiative, and People in Nature Experience. These high-impact, cross-disciplinary projects will:
- Map ocean life and monitor ocean health, further advancing our understanding of ocean ecosystems;
- Address fundamental scientific questions about the origins of Earth and communicate this knowledge through exhibits and public programs;
- Expand access to science education and science careers for underserved communities through programs of paid internships, assistantships, and fellowships; the advancement of local and national school partnerships; and digital learning and teacher support resources; and
- Empower over 5 million visitors annually to become informed participants in discussions about climate change, biodiversity and sustainability, via interactive and innovative exhibits and programming.