National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History stands as a global leader in promoting understanding of the natural world and humanity's place within it, housing an extraordinary collection of 145 million specimens and artifacts that document Earth's history and human interactions with the environment. The museum's mission encompasses three vital roles: conducting cutting-edge research through its scientists who work in laboratories and field sites worldwide, stewarding one of the world's largest natural history collections that serves as a crucial reference for understanding environmental change and biodiversity, and educating millions of visitors annually through innovative exhibits and educational programs. The institution's work spans critical contemporary issues including conservation, public health, climate change, and food security, while its researchers continue to make new discoveries from the collections that help model future scenarios. Through its educational initiatives, the museum not only shares scientific knowledge but also inspires future generations of scientists and promotes environmental stewardship, making complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences