If you’ve been enjoying reading about the international natural history museum field through our website and newsletters, or attending our conferences as a non-member, you’ll know the benefits of being part of the group.
Tackling the big issues
Over recent years, NATHIST has sponsored many initiatives that directly address major questions facing natural history museums, sustainability, ethics, legislation and best practice. A few of these include:
- A book, The Future of Natural History Museums, published in 2017 jointly by Routledge Press and ICOM, explores the state of the field in the next 20 to 50 years. Contributions were made by members across the NATHIST network.
- A NATHIST white paper, Natural History Museums and Wildlife Trafficking: A Framework for Global Action, launched at the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Puebla, Mexico in 2016.
- Publication of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Natural History Museums, in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2013, now translated into eight languages and incorporated into the legislation of a number of nations.
- Platform 2022, a free online, interactive resource developed by NATHIST for natural history museums to promote sustainable development, administered by the National Museum of Taiwan.
A global network
Members of NATHIST are part of a network of over 40,000 individuals and institutions in more than 100 countries. NATHIST colleagues come from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. Our conferences provide annual opportunities to connect to colleagues around the globe. Recent and future conferences ensure broad regional participation:
- 2020 Edinburgh, UK
- 2019 Kyoto, Japan
- 2018 Tel Aviv, Israel
- 2017 Pittsburgh, USA
- 2016 Milan, Italy
- 2015, Taipei, Taiwan
- 2014, Krapina, Croatia
- 2013, São Paulo, Brazil
- 2012, Bangkok, Thailand
At all of our conferences, delegates are invited not only to explore the collections, exhibitions and science practices at our host institutions, we make sure to sample local culture and attractions. Student bursaries are available in some circumstances.
Our conferences bring together ideas from across our network, which has catalyzed our most important achievements. Most important, however, is the cherished friendships that are built up over years of connection.
How to join
Joining NATHIST is easy and, if you’re already a member of ICOM, it’s free. Follow the link below, which will explain the details.
https://icomnathist.com/benefits-of-membership/
We’re looking forward to welcoming you as part of the NATHIST family!