800,000 animals, plants, and fungi
The museum holds specimens from around the world, while also serving as the official state archive of Vermont's flora and fauna. Scholars and students go to our collections to answer key questions about the diversity and origins of life on Earth.
Our vision is to promote understanding of the natural world and investment in sustaining it through research, curatorial work, and outreach. By bringing people into contact with natural diversity, the museum seeks to provide a broad audience with the understanding that the viability of human society depends on ensuring the future of natural systems.
A fire in August 2017 forced us out of our historic home in Torrey Hall, and collections are now held in three different buildings on campus. Torrey is being renovated, and we hope to return there in the future. Jan 2021 update: the pandemic has placed renovations on hold, and our timeline is uncertain.
How Do You Use Collections in Your Research?
In this series, scientists around the country explain how collections of museum specimens are vital to understanding how our world is changing.
Pringle Herbarium
Founded by Cyrus Pringle in 1902, it holds 360,000 sheets and is the second largest herbarium in New England.
Thompson Collections
Founded by Zadock Thompson in 1826, the zoological collections hold nearly 450,000 specimens, 95% of which are arthropods.
Torrey Hall Renovation
After a fire in 2017, the museum's exterior has been beautifully restored. The interior renovation will include a public exhibit hall.