Where can I find information regarding the Museum's history?
You can find information about our history in the About Us area of the website. Select the About Us top menu item and choose the History drop-down item in the list.
Where can I find media and press release information?
Select the About Us top menu item and choose the Media drop-down item in the list. There you will find our latest press releases, press kits, images and news.
Who do I contact to make a donation to the Museum? Eowyn Bates
619.255.0172
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Exhibits
Where can I find information about upcoming exhibitions? Please click on the Exhibits button on the navigation bar at the top of the web page.
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Membership
Do you share my e-mail address or postal address with anyone?
Your e-mail address will never be traded or released to any outside organization. On occasion, we do share our mailing list with like-minded groups. If you prefer that we do not share your mailing address, please contact the membership office.
How do I know my temporary login name and password for the website?
This information is included on your membership card.
If you need assistance or if your membership card looks different than the one above, please contact:
619.255.0350
619.255.0275
619.255.0172 membership@sdnhm.org
Contact the membership office or go online to https://tickets.sdnhm.org/public/default.asp If this is the first time you have accessed your online account, you will need a temporary login name and password.
How do I update my address, e-mail and phone number?
Contact the membership office or go online to https://tickets.sdnhm.org/public/default.asp If this is the first time you have accessed your online account, you will need a temporary login name and password.
Is the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center or the Birch Aquarium included in my ASTC Passport Program (available at the Century Plus membership and above)?
No, cards are NOT honored at institutions within 90 miles of the science center where the membership was purchased. (This is the policy of ASTC, not the San Diego Natural History Museum.)
What are the benefits of becoming a museum member?
Join now and visit all year long—for free! It's a wonderful way to spend time with the family or entertain out-of-town guests. Plus, a membership pays for itself in just a couple of visits!
The Museum maintains a complete natural history reference library, with greatest strengths in the historic research interests of the institution -- botany, entomology, geology, herpetology, ornithology, mammalogy, marine invertebrates, and paleontology. The 56,000 volume collection includes both standard and obscure references, journals, rare books and maps. For more information go to our Research Library web area at http://www.sdnhm.org/research/library/index.html
What is the outcome of the Museum's scientific research activities?
Our scientists regularly publish their scientific findings in professional journals and books, participate in international scientific meetings, and collaborate with other scientists on research projects. Their research also enables them to give expert advice as requested by local conservation stakeholders, government agencies, and interested citizens.
What kind of collections are maintained in the Museum's research area?
We maintain approximately 8.5 million research specimens of plants, fossils, insects, spiders, marine invertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and minerals. For more details see our webpages at http://www.sdnhm.org/research/collections/trivia.html or within each individual science department, such as birds and mammals, entomology, or paleontology.
Who is director of the Museum’s scientific research division?
Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra is director of the Museum’s scientific research division, the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias (BRCC). Dr. Ezcurra will simultaneously serve as Provost of the Museum, the Museum’s highest ranking academic office, in tandem with his director position, which he previously held from 1998–2001.
Are there specific qualifications to become a volunteer? An interest and/or background in natural history are helpful in any of our volunteer positions. All volunteers receive in-depth training and ongoing support to ensure their success.
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Do the science departments need volunteers? The Museum’s science departments have limited openings for volunteers. They generally prefer volunteers with previous training or experience in the respective science fields. Science departments include: Birds and Mammals, Botany, Entomology, Herpetology, Research Library, and Paleontology.
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Does the Museum offer internships? The Museum does not offer paid internships and unpaid internships are limited. Internships for course credit require a letter of reference from an academic advisor and a formal agreement with the education institution. Teaching Assistant Internships are offered during summer camps for students interested in gaining teaching experience.
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What are the benefits of volunteering? As a volunteer, you become a part of a world-class museum that serves over 350,000 people each year. Volunteers receive training from Museum curators and local experts, as well as discounts to the Museum Store and invitations to various events around Balboa Park. This is an excellent opportunity for life-long learning experiences and to enjoy the company of like-minded individuals.
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What is my first step to becoming a volunteer? Complete the volunteer application and you will be invited to an upcoming orientation.
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What is the mission of the San Diego Natural History Museum? To interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.
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What is the time commitment required to volunteer? Time commitment varies by position. In most cases, a weekly 4-hour commitment and a minimum of six months is required. Canyoneers and Docents ask for two years.
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What is the youngest age for volunteering?
Youth opportunities start at age 16. Youth opportunities are limited to camp aides for the Museum’s spring and summer camps. All other volunteer positions require a minimum age of 18.
