The Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville, Virginia is a place where scientific research about the Commonwealth of Virginia's natural history and public understanding merge. Exhibits, education programs for all ages, and publications translate the Museum curators' scientific research into easily understood language and concepts.

The mission of the Virginia Museum of Natural History is: To interpret Virginia's natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all citizens of the Commonwealth.

The Museum was founded in 1984 as The Boaz Foundation, a private institution. Guided by a group of scholars and citizens from throughout the Commonwealth, The Boaz Foundation soon became the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Recognizing the need for public support, A. L. Philpott, then Speaker of the Virginia General Assembly, worked on behalf of the institution in an effort to secure state agency status in 1988. Since its founding, VMNH has experienced phenomenal growth, and has earned recognition as one of the nation's leading museums in its field. It is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of museums in the United States.

The Museum's message is simple: Understanding natural history is the first step toward meeting the challenges of preserving and managing natural resources in the future. From the vacationer watching birds on the shores of the Chesapeake to the garden enthusiast in Alexandria, each and every Virginian directly benefits from the ongoing research and education programs at VMNH.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  A 25-member, gubernatorial appointed Board of Trustees acts as the Museum's governing body. It operates in association with the Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation, a not-profit 501(c)3 organization that receives and administers funds for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes. The Foundation Board of Directors currently consists of 15 members from various locations across the Commonwealth.

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Museum Memberships and Accreditation 

VMNH is a member of the Southeastern Museums Conference and the Association of Science-Technology Centers, and is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of U.S. museums.

As an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources 

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is an agency of the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia.  The Secretary of Natural Resources advises the Governor on natural resources issues and works to advance the Governor's top environmental priorities. The Secretary oversees six agencies that protect and restore the Commonwealth's natural and historic resources. The Secretary's office and all of the natural resources agencies work together to uphold the provisions of Article XI of the Virginia Constitution.

“To the end that the people have clean air, pure water, and the use and enjoyment for recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings. Further, it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth.”

- - Article XI, Constitution of Virginia

Click here to visit the Secretary of Natural Resources Web site.