Why Natural History Matters - National Museum of Natural History

Your support powers science!

Our mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. The museum's collections tell the history of the planet and are a record of human interaction with the environment. Preserving these collections is a profound expression of faith in their value. As humankind works to shape a sustainable world, this record becomes the starting point. It is our guidebook to how the future will look and work.

Because of the boundless curiosity of our researchers, the breadth and depth of our scientific collections, and the ability to inspire future generations of scientist, we all have a vital role to play. Our mission is to promote the understanding of the natural world and our place in it, but we need your help and cannot do this alone.

While federal funding provides free access for everyone, the museum relies on private, philanthropic support — from individuals like you — to create exceptional exhibitions, fund scientific research around the globe, and provide educational programing to ensure the museum’s legacy as an enduring source of new knowledge.

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For questions or more information, please contact us at 202-633-0821 or nhadvancement@si.edu

To donate by mail, send a check made out to the Smithsonian Institution to:
Smithsonian
National Museum of Natural History
Office of Advancement
MRC 135 P.O. Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012

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