The mission of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is to be the
premier regional provider of interactive science learning
experiences which enrich the lives of children and adults,
enhance the quality of life in our community, and promote a
broad understanding of the world. To preserve, protect, and
enhance the Museum’s anthropology, geology, paleontology, and
biology collections, and to make these collections available for
exhibition, education, and research purposes. Our Vision is to
be the premier regional provider of interactive learning
experiences which enrich the lives of children of all ages,
enhance the quality of life in our community, and promote deeper
understanding of the world. The Dayton Museum of Natural History
began in 1893 as a part of the Dayton Public Library and Museum.
Over the years, collections gathered by prominent Dayton
citizens on their trips around the world were contributed to the
museum. Local natural history collections were also contributed.
In 1952, a group of citizens organiz