As the state’s museum of natural history, VMNH has award-winning exhibits, ground-breaking scientific research and collections, and innovative educational programs for all ages. VMNH is a member of the Southeastern Museums Conference and the Association of Science-Technology Centers, and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of U.S. museums. Mission To interpret Virginia's natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all citizens of the Commonwealth. Research and Collections VMNH has more than 10 million cataloged specimens, with research programs in Paleontology, Recent Invertebrates, Archaeology, Mammalogy, and Geology. While the museum’s primary geographic strengths are in Virginia and the Southeastern United States, the collections and research programs span the globe.