In an era marked by a pressing global climate crisis and alarming rates of biodiversity loss, natural history museums stand out as beacons of hope in our collective struggle against environmental degradation. These venerable institutions serve as repositories of invaluable specimen collections, including mammals, birds, reptiles, plants, and insects, preserved in disciplines such as ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, and botany. Much like fossils for paleontologists, these collections act as time capsules, providing essential resources for scientists and researchers to glean data about endangered species, extinct ecosystems, and the intricate interplay of environmental factors that have shaped our planet’s ecological past and present. Crucially, this data not only facilitates scientific research but also fosters public understanding of biodiversity loss and fuels global conservation efforts.
With millions of specimens stored in research collections globally, scientists now have unparalleled access to much of the world’s known biota, enabling them to extract critical information about a species’ evolutionary history, ecological relationships, and environmental contexts. Although it is estimated that we have only catalogued between 1 and 5 percent of Earth’s species, or, by some more optimistic estimates, about 15 percent, the taxonomic datasets derived from these specimens still offer crucial insights into how biota have responded to anthropogenic climate change.[1] These collections, amassed by generations of explorers, field researchers, and scientists over centuries, have for decades demonstrated that the data contained in specimen labels are an invaluable resource for land and resource management, range science, agriculture, pharmaceutical chemistry, DNA sequencing for phylogenetic studies, pathology studies, and numerous other fields.[2] The diversity of specimens within museum collections spans various taxonomic groups, from insects to mammals, and includes specimens from diverse ecosystems as varied as rainforests, coral reefs, and polar regions, providing researchers with a comprehensive understanding of Earth’s biodiversity. By analyzing patterns of species occurrence, genetic diversity, and population trends, researchers can identify potential threats to endangered wildlife and investigate the impacts of human activities on species populations and ecosystem dynamics, such as habitat reduction, destruction, and contamination.[3]
[Image description: A storage archive room with large, gray rolling cabinets. One cabinet is open, revealing an aisle filled with thick, labeled file bins and various collections stored on metal shelves. The space is organized and has an industrial, archival atmosphere.]
Beyond the research collections of natural history museums, exhibition halls and educational spaces play pivotal roles in fostering public understanding and awareness of conservation issues. For instance, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is launching a new exhibition in September 2024 that utilizes its dioramas and research collections to highlight the contributions these specimens make to science and conservation. The exhibition aims to educate the public on the critical importance of biodiversity, the far-reaching impacts of human activities on ecosystems, and the urgent need for conservation efforts. These museums serve as educational hubs, offering immersive experiences for visitors of all ages to learn about the critical importance of biodiversity, the far-reaching impacts of human activities on ecosystems, and the urgent need for conservation efforts.[4] Through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and outreach initiatives, museums engage the public in conversations about environmental sustainability and inspire them to take action to protect our planet’s natural heritage.[5] The scientific knowledge and the ecologically important specimens preserved in natural history museums also increase scientific literacy and translate complex scientific findings into accessible narratives that resonate with the general public.[6] Moreover, many museums actively collaborate with local communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, to develop culturally relevant educational programs and conservation initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among community members. Natural history museums that engage visitors in discussions about conservation—and more importantly, those that integrate organizational efforts to promote climate change education—are at the forefront of developing this culture. Through these interactions, visitors become more knowledgeable about and concerned with climate change, feel hopeful about their ability to discuss the topic, and are more likely to feel empowered and motivated to invest in sustainable practices that contribute to a healthier planet.[7] As these museums continue to curate and safeguard their collections, they weave a narrative thread connecting individuals to the past, present, and future of conservation efforts worldwide.
[Image description: A grand exhibition space in the African Mammal Hall, featuring realistic habitat groups along the sides. The central waterhole display includes life-size models of elephants, oxen, and giraffes, recreating a natural African savannah environment.]
Outside the confines of exhibition halls and laboratories, natural history museums resonate globally in the sphere of conservation. Museum specimens, providing the temporal, spatial, and taxonomic snapshots of Earth, are particularly useful in documenting the impacts of climate change on specific species.[8] The data generated from specimen collections serve as essential resources for conservationists and policymakers crafting strategies to protect endangered species and ecosystems. These museums actively contribute to international efforts that aimed at safeguarding biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change through initiatives like the Red List of Threatened Species, and serve as invaluable references for understanding global biodiversity trends.[9] The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List “stands as the authority on the current conservation status of Earth’s flora and fauna and is used by scientists and regulators alike to address challenges associated with conserving Earth’s natural resources,” and has become the primary tool with which the public assesses the effects of biodiversity loss and understands the impacts of climate change.[10] These lists are determined through the analysis of various sources, ranging from the taxonomic data of a particular species to the credentials of those conducting the assessments on specimens. While much of this can be found in scientific journals and published studies in academic literature, for many taxa, a great deal of the information used to assess individual species’ conservation status stems from information collected for and housed by natural history museums.[11] The influence of public understanding on policy decisions regarding climate change and conservation cannot be overstated. As individuals engage with natural history museums and learn about specific species and ecosystems, they develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the urgency of addressing them. This heightened awareness often translates into public pressure on policymakers to enact legislation and allocate resources for conservation efforts.
Natural history museums are not only repositories of scientific knowledge but also vital hubs for education, public engagement, and global collaboration in the face of environmental challenges. By fostering a deeper understanding of Earth’s biodiversity and the impact of human activities through their specimen collections, these museums empower individuals and communities to take meaningful action towards conservation and sustainability. As we continue to confront the complexities of climate change and biodiversity loss, the role of natural history museums as guardians of our planet’s natural heritage becomes increasingly indispensable.
[1] Lane, “Roles of Natural History Collections,”Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden (1996): 539.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Adam W. Ferguson, “On the Role of (and Threat to) Natural History Museums in Mammal Conservation: An African Small Mammal Perspective.” Folia Zoologica 69, no. 2 (2020): 1–23. https://doi.org/10.25225/jvb.20028.
[4] Lane, “Roles of Natural History Collections,” 541.
[5] Janet K. Swim, Nathaniel Geiger, John Fraser, and Nette Pletcher, “Climate Change Education at Nature‐Based Museums,” Curator (New York, N.Y.) 60, no. 1 (2017): 101–119. https://doi.org/10.1111/cura.12187.
[6] Lane, “Roles of Natural History Collections,” 540.
[7] Swim, et. al., “Climate Change Education,” 117.
[8] Ferguson, “On the Role of Natural History Museums.”
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
Cover Image by author.
[*Cover Image description: A dramatic display of fossilized skeletons of a T. rex and a triceratops engaged in a battle, positioned on a slightly raised platform at the center of a round hall in the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The T. rex is depicted in mid-bite, while the triceratops is twisting away to evade the attack. Ground lights illuminate the battle scene, drawing attention to the central exhibit.]
Edited by Katie Kung; reviewed by Deniz Karakaş.