Museum scientists collaborate with state and federal agencies, as well as conservation organizations, to monitor endangered species, restore ecosystems, and develop strategies for sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. Educational programs encourage citizens to participate in conservation through community science initiatives, native plant gardening, and wildlife observation.
The museum’s emphasis on Florida’s unique ecosystems—its wetlands, springs, coral reefs, and longleaf pine forests—has helped raise public awareness about the importance of environmental protection. Through exhibitions, publications, and partnerships, it connects the fate of the state’s natural resources to global ecological concerns.
Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
The museum’s anthropological collections are equally significant, preserving the material culture of the peoples who have inhabited Florida and the Caribbean for thousands of years. Archaeological artifacts, tools, pottery, and skeletal remains reveal the lives of ancient hunter-gatherers, agriculturalists, and traders who adapted to Florida’s changing environment.
Collaborations with Native American communities ensure that this research is conducted respectfully and collaboratively. The museum’s archaeologists also work on projects related to colonial and maritime history, including the excavation of shipwrecks and early European settlements.
By bridging science and the humanities, the museum fosters a more complete understanding of Florida’s human story—one that acknowledges both its triumphs and its traumas. shutdown123