Global Research and Public Wonderin L.A.’s Backyard

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) has been a cornerstone of culture in Los Angeles since 1913. Still, the iconic displays and exhibits barely scratch the surface of the collections, programs, and research pursuits of this iconic institution. “We have over 35 million objects in our collection,” says Paul Bessire, the Museum’s chief advancement officer. “Those range from several hundred million years old fossils, to a dress that belonged to early silent film legend Mary Pickford.”  

From Triceratops to Tinseltown, NHMLAC’s paleontological and cultural riches intermingle in a one-of-a-kind center for science and research. With the November 2024 opening of NHM Commons – the Museum’s new wing and community hub in Exposition Park – NHMLAC’s decades-long mission of bringing the public into the science has reached a new benchmark. “A unique aspect of NHMLAC is that not only are we science-focused, but we are 100% engaged with our community,” Bessire says. “Admission to NHM Commons is always free and features some of our newest wonders: Gnatalie the Green Dino, and Barbara Carrasco’s stunning mural, L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective.”  

Bessire explains the Museum’s genuinely twofold mission. “NHMLAC’s renowned research institutions and community spaces are featured in the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park. We engage over a million visitors annually, offering free and low-cost access for our exhibitions and education programs. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students, families, and lifelong learners engage with our exhibits, our community programs, and – yes – with our scientists,” Bessire says. “This is made possible through the support of our donors.” 

The public is often largely unaware of the critical research being pursued there, which has for decades attracted an international community of visiting scientists… “Our scientists conduct essential research, addressing challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss,” Bessire says.  

Recent federal retraction of scientific research monies acutely affected NMHLAC’s UNLAB program, which supports young postbaccalaureate scientists from underserved communities. “Our student cohort completed two years of this program, and we lost funding for the third.” Another signature program, the Mobile Museum, expressly reaches out to young learners whose circumstances may otherwise preclude self-discovery as a future scientist. “The Mobile Museum goes to the school and stays for a week. And 99% of these visits are to Title I schools in LAUSD… We’re actively seeking support for this program to continue bringing the Mobile Museum to schools and students in need,” Bessire says. “We are determined to help students become scientists, and deepen the public’s connection to stewarding our natural world.”