The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) expresses deep concern about recent announcements affecting natural history collections and museum programs at institutions including the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History at Fort Hays State University.
Natural history collections are irreplaceable scientific infrastructure. They document biodiversity and environments across time and space and provide essential resources for research, education, conservation, climate science, agriculture, and public health. Their value extends far beyond the institutions that house them, serving researchers, students, educators, and communities worldwide.
SPNHC recognizes the financial pressures facing universities and museums. We urge institutions considering closures or major structural changes to prioritize the long-term preservation, professional stewardship, documentation, and accessibility of collections, as well as the expertise required to care for them.
Natural history collections are a shared scientific and cultural resource. Their preservation is an investment in both our understanding of the past and our ability to address the environmental and societal challenges of the future.
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