Museum of Science, Boston Archives

About:

MISSION OF THE ARCHIVES
The mission of the Museum of Science Archives is to is to collect, organize, and preserve records which document the activities and staff of the Museum, in order to provide access for staff and researchers.

ABOUT THE ARCHIVES
In 2017, Bloomberg Philanthropies generously provided funding for the first archives department in the Museum’s nearly 200-year history. The Archives traces the Museum’s development as the venerable Boston Society of Natural History (1830 – 1948) to the multifaceted teaching institution that the Museum of Science is today. By preserving these records, the Archives demonstrates the Museum’s historical, scientific, and cultural impact while providing inspiration for the future.

COLLECTIONS IN THE ARCHIVES
The Archives includes approximately 3,300 linear feet of records featuring: institutional documents, handwritten manuscripts, photographs and negatives, bound volumes, motion picture films, audiovisual recordings, artworks, and digital media. The archival collections are mostly unprocessed or low-level processed. The Archives staff are actively working toward improved intellectual and physical access to the archival collections as resources are made available.

RESEARCH IN THE ARCHIVES
Currently, the Archives primarily supports references requests through remote research services. Due to high demand, there may be a delay with processing requests and some requests may be unable to be fulfilled at this time. We appreciate your patience.