Collections

Our collections are a unique and valuable resource for the state of Maryland. They include items collected by Marylanders in the disciplines of geology, mineralogy, entomology, malacology, herpetology, ornithology, mammalogy, paleontology, archaeology and botany. Some of them are scientifically significant and are studied by scientists. Others lack data or are duplicates and so are used in hands-on educational programs and art classes.

Though the Natural History Society of Maryland was founded in 1929, our collections represent centuries of preserving natural objects. The NHSM had its start from within the Maryland Academy of Sciences, and many of our older collections were transferred from the Academy to the new organization. Since that time the NHSM has built its collection in every discipline.

Arctos

Arctos is an online collection management system that helps museums, universities, and research centers organize and track their collections. It is free to the public, ensuring that important specimens and artifacts are preserved and their data is accessible to all audiences. NHSM is actively working to make its collections available via Arctos.

Click here to view our guide to searching in Arctos.

Click here to browse Arctos.

Collections Access Request

Our collections are currently not open to the public. Researchers wishing to use the collection should review and complete the Collections Access Request Packet. Questions about the collections access request process can be directed to the NHSM Collections Manager at kmullineaux@marylandnature.org.

Click here to download the Collections Access Request Packet PDF.

Artifact and Specimens Identification Request

If you would like to request an artifact or specimen identification by an NHSM team member, please complete the following questionnaire to the best of your ability. As a largely volunteer-run organization, we will do our best to accommodate your request in a timely manner. Please allow 3-5 business days for a confirmation of receipt.

Click here to fill out the Artifact and Specimens Identification Request.

Artifact and Specimens Donation

If you are interested in donating specimens or artifacts related to the institution’s collections and mission, please complete the following questionnaire to the best of your ability. All requests will be reviewed by the NHSM Collections Committee to evaluate their appropriateness for the permanent collection. Please do not send or bring any potential donations to NHSM without formal written approval. As a largely volunteer-run organization, we will do our best to review your submission in a timely manner. Please allow 3-5 business days for a confirmation of receipt.

Click here to fill out the Acquisition Donor Questionnaire.