An Invitation to Teachers

From the day the American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869, education has been central to its mission. With dynamic on-site programs, increased partnerships with schools, and the efforts of the National Center for Science Literacy, Education and Technology, the Museum is dramatically expanding its leadership and impact in fostering universal science literacy. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and science, the Museum recognizes that people must have access to scientific knowledge in order to be full participants in the 21st century. The Museum sees this mission as not just an opportunity, but also its unique responsibility.

At the core of the Museum's education efforts is an active program for school groups visiting the Museum. For generations, the American Museum of Natural History has been a destination for schoolchildren from the New York City area, and each year over 500,000 schoolchildren visit the Museum in organized groups. Instructors and well-trained volunteers guide groups through the Museum's halls and lead hands-on activities. Comprehensive teaching guides are available for selected halls and exhibitions to help classes prepare for and extend their visits to the Museum. MORE »

The Museum offers a wide variety of programs and resources for youth and families. MORE »

In 1997, with an $8 million grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Museum established within the National Center within the Education Department. The Center's charge is to capture the Museum's unparalleled resources?collections, scientific research, and exhibitions?and make them available to the broadest possible audience of children, families, schools, and community-based organizations across the nation and around the world.

For the adult and general audience, the Museum offers a broad array of programs such as lectures, courses, walking tours, and field trips. Programs cover the full spectrum of subjects in the natural sciences and anthropology, from biodiversity in New York City to how to use a telescope to whale watching. Lecture series and workshops extend the impact of special exhibitions and allow visitors to probe more deeply into timely subject matter. MORE »