Science education in U.S. natural history museums: A historical perspective

The role of education in United States natural history museums has a long and changing history. The past century and a half has brought changes not only in how the role of education in museums is viewed, but in the relevance it plays in overarching institutional decisions. As the educational role of natural history museums evolves, so do the ways in which education of the public on such concepts as the very nature of science is carried out in these institutions. Looking at past trends and future challenges will assist with the identification of the role of education in the natural history museum of the new millennium. © 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.