Preserving Illinois' Heritage: The Dynamic Mission of the Illinois State Museum

Illinois State Museum Mission

The Illinois State Museum promotes exploration and lifelong learning of the natural and cultural heritage of Illinois. It combines original research with diverse collections to advance knowledge, presenting thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs that offer rich resources for people of all ages. The museum serves as an engaging platform where individuals can delve into and continuously learn about Illinois' natural and cultural heritage, and their role in the global context.

Vision

The Illinois State Museum envisions itself as a widely respected institution enriching lives through the discovery and appreciation of natural and cultural heritages from Illinois and beyond. The museum strives to uphold professional standards at work, and through innovative methods in research, collections, curation, exhibitions, and education, improves its offerings. It is committed to helping people recognize and respect nature and culture, fostering connections with natural and cultural resources for sustnable development and improved quality of life.

In an era marked by constant change and new challenges faced by Illinois and its citizens, the museum expand access to authoritative information about its state's environment and prepare for future needs. While other institutions preserve written records and publications, the Illinois State Museum is dedicated to preserving tangible records of Illinois' landscape, life, people, and arts through its collections, as well as promoting engagement with these resources through exhibitions, educational projects, and publications, online exhibits, and databases. This process adheres to two :

• Integrating interdisciplinary perspectives: The museum's programs in the areas of art, art history, cultural history, anthropology, natural history, and earth sciences foster a holistic view of natural and cultural expressions and complex, system-driven interactions within these domns.

• Core activities alignment: The core activities of research, collection, curation, exhibition, and education are interconnected and linked through an information flow from research to dissemination. These activities adhere to principles such as:

  • Research focuses on Illinois' capabilities in studying climate, geography, biogeography, and history to enhance understanding of the natural world and cultural landscapes.

  • Collection emphasizes the preservation and representation of materials, items, and information that capture Illinois' significant natural treasures, ding better comprehension and appreciation of its distinctive characteristics and diversity.

  • **Curation involves continuous updates to collections to ensure optimal preservation and utilization.

  • Exhibition themes integrate interdisciplinary insights and contemporary concepts to facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Illinois and its inhabitants for diverse audiences.

  • **Educational programs leverage the museum's collections, exhibits, data, and information to provide learning experiences both within and outside the museum premises.

• Educational initiatives are tlored to specific audiences while also serving a broad public, utilizing traditional methods alongside innovative technologies.

• Programs attract public participation through interactive and educational experiences.

All projects contribute to community well-being, essential for sustnable development and optimal quality of life, aligning with the mission of the Illinois State Museum System as an educational hub that fosters appreciation for life's complexities, showcases the state's artistry, opens windows into learning, safeguards invaluable state assets, and serves the people of Illinois.

International Council of Museums ICOM Mission: The Illinois State Museum is committed to enhancing educational experiences, aesthetic value, and overall quality of life through collections, research, exhibitions, publications, and outreach programs.

The museum operates under the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Certification by American Alliance of Museums: Recognized for its commitment to professional standards and community service.

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