The museum was opened to the public in 1978, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and maintains membership in ... the Natural Science Collections Alliance. Research collections of vascular and non vascular plants, invertebrate and vertebrate animals are maintained and made available to research scientists and educators. Public exhibits and educational programs are offered. We accomplish our mission by: - Properly collecting and maintaining biological specimens and associated data to effectively support current and future research and teaching efforts. - Providing cutting edge database options to support world class research on the biodiversity and ecological complexities of the earth's ecosystems. - Producing and sharing quality research products in order to increase scientific knowledge and understanding. - Facilitating an ongoing dialogue about issues and concerns related to faith and science as different but complementary ways of understanding our world. - Providing a forum for educating our students and the general public about best earth stewardship practices. - Promoting and facilitating quality learning and mentoring experiences for our students. - Effectively engaging the public through compelling exhibits and innovative educational programming in order to promote understanding and appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the Earth's biological heritage. - Using the Museum's resources to develop and implement K-12 science education programs based on the Utah State Core Curriculum in order to enhance the education of our local public school children while providing, "hands-on" training experiences for pre-service primary and secondary teachers in the McKay School of Education. Our Vision: To be the leading university-based life science museum in the United States, to be central to our community and fully committed to promoting understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the earth. read more