#  About 

 



#  Learn about the Harvard Museum of Natural History 

 

 

       ![wide exterior hmnh building and blue sky.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4986/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/hmnh/files/hmnh.about_.jpg?itok=sYAJVAoR) 

 

 



 

 



 

  [### The Museum

 ](/about-museum)The museum's mission is to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the human place in it.



 

   ![hands on tree of life interactive display.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4986/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hmnh/files/about.museum.jpg?itok=G8EYP-Dv) 

 

 

 

  [### Contact

 ](/contact)Have a question? Don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email.



 

   ![4 educators examine specimen in mineral hall. ](/sites/g/files/omnuum4986/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hmnh/files/about.contact.jpg?itok=Uc8jFV-C) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  [### Web Privacy Statement

 ](https://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/privacy-policy)Information-gathering and dissemination practices for this web site.



 

   ![harvard museum of natural history sign over the entrance.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4986/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hmnh/files/about.privacy.jpg?itok=fwICGkF4) 

 

 

 

  [### History

 ](/history)The Harvard Museum of Natural History was established in 1998 as the public face of three research museums...



 

   ![19th-c portrait photo of man in suit.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4986/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/hmnh/files/about.history.jpg?itok=POkWzElr)