The mission of the Bell Museum is to advance the quest to discover, document, and understand life in its many forms and to inspire curiosity, delight, and informed stewardship of the natural world.

The James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History was established by state legislative mandate in 1872 to collect, preserve, skillfully prepare, display, and interpret our state's diverse animal and plant life for scholarly research and teaching and for public appreciation, enrichment, and enjoyment. Its governance belongs, by state legislative designation, to the University of Minnesota.

Collecting, researching, and teaching serve to inform exhibits, exhibitions, and public outreach. This unique synergy, perhaps possible only on the campus of a great university, distinguishes the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History as an institution that:

• Maintains excellent, comprehensive scientific collections.
• Produces timely, cutting edge research.
• Teaches new generations of natural history experts, entrepreneurs, and informed citizens.
• Exhibits the natural life of our state and region—and beyond—in ways that inspire inquiry, appreciation, and enjoyment.
• Educates visitors and participants through customized learning opportunities.
• Serves teachers and students throughout the community, state and region through innovative, creative outreach and award-winning, nationally recognized distance learning programs.

The Bell Museum of Natural History is a portal to experiences that bring people closer to the natural world. It is a small, personable place with big ideas, an historic state treasure, and a landmark destination. It is a familiar point-of-entry to the resources of the University of Minnesota and a gateway to the natural wonders of our state. The Bell Museum serves young and old alike as they seek to find—and better understand and appreciate—their own place in a living, changing world.

Education
The Bell Museum helps many students and teachers connect to the natural world each year through its educational programs for children in grades K-12 and their teachers. Programs include:

• Museum tours
• Learning kits that are filled with museum objects and hands-on activities
• Science workshops
• Satellite broadcasts of scientific expeditions
• Traveling exhibits for classrooms and libraries
• Training programs and a resource center for teachers

Research and Collections
The Bell Museum has exceptional scientific collections. Nearly 4 million specimens-mammals, birds, fishes, plants, mollusks and insects-provide opportunities for research and learning. In addition to the largest collection documenting Minnesota's biodiversity, the Bell Museum has significant collections from around the globe. These collections serve as a resource for the international scientific community.

Bell Museum scientists work in the treetops of Papua New Guinea's tropical forests, in the rivers of southern Minnesota and the capitals of Europe. Their research provides important baseline data for scientists and conservationists and creates a record of the earth's biological diversity.