University of nebraska state museum

Making Science an Adventure. Like Only Nebraska Can.

The University of Nebraska State Museum promotes the discovery of our natural world and world cultures through research, museum collections, learner-centered educational programs and public exhibitions. As a university-based science museum, we recruit and mentor the next generation of researchers and educators by providing university students with unique educational opportunities and by inspiring Nebraska’s youth to pursue science careers. 

Children stand in front of dinosaur bones in Morrill Hall at UNL
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Relentless Focus on Student Access and Success

The University of Nebraska State Museum brings science to life through experiential learning opportunities and interactive exhibits. Help us create engaging spaces for students to explore science and natural history. Or invest in students through graduate student support and gifts toward our science communications internships. 

Enhancing Faculty and Academic Excellence

Our research collections are a conduit for workforce development. Students examine the past and present diversity of life on Earth by handling museum specimens under the tutelage of museum researchers. Your gifts can help us hire more professionals to train the next generation of scientists.

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Student carefully dusting off a piece of dinosaur bone
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Fossil collection shelves full of bones

Transformational Research and Innovation

We care for eight world-renowned research collections, serving as a resource for scientists across the globe. Establishing and supporting endowments will enable the museum to preserve these significant collections and attract high-quality faculty and professional staff to facilitate new research opportunities.

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FOR THE FUTURE WE’LL BUILD

INVESTING IN OUR
SHARED VISION.

Together, we can encourage curious students to consider STEM careers, advance the pursuit of knowledge through research and promote a better understanding of the diverse peoples, ecosystems and natural history of our state. 

A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

“It’s an exhilarating time to be involved in museum work because new ideas and technologies are transforming the whole field, from public exhibits to behind-the-scenes research. We’re excited to have you be a part of our future as we continue to innovate so we can excel at our important mission.”

– Susan Weller, Ph.D.
Director, University of Nebraska State Museum
Professor of Entomology

TOP CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES

Building the Future

Donors can help build the classrooms of the future, supporting our educational and public engagement goals. Join our bold, innovative plan to upgrade Elephant Hall, build a new Museum Café (featuring Dairy Store ice cream), and renovate Mueller Planetarium.

Student Research & Science Communication Support 

Paid internships and academic-year fellowships are workforce development opportunities that provide lasting impacts for the students, the public and the overall mission of the museum.  

Research Collection Endowments and Curatorships

Your support for collection preservation and enhancement enables recruitment of high-quality faculty and staff to work with our collections. Research collections are crucial to the museum’s mission.

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QUESTIONS?

It takes a lot to build a future, so let’s start the conversation now.