ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

HISTORY and LEADERSHIP

Since March of 1977, the MMNS Foundation has been dedicated to supporting MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science through memberships, donations, fundraising, and volunteerism.

The Foundation is led by Executive Director Susan Frazier with oversight by the MMNSF Board of Directors - dedicated volunteer leaders who give the Museum and the Foundation their time and expert advice in the areas of site development, planning, exhibits, education, and fundraising (see bios below).

  • We provide critical financial support for museum field trips, teacher workshops, special exhibits and events, and more.

    And, we help conserve and document Mississippi’s natural history by providing equipment and other support for the museum’s research team and collections.

  • The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated exclusively to improving the education, research, and tourism efforts of MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science through memberships, donations, and volunteerism.

    Alongside the museum, the Foundation is dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of Mississippi's biological diversity through collections, research, scientific databases, education, and exhibits, and to inspiring the people of Mississippi to respect the environment and to preserve natural Mississippi.

    Museum of Natural Science as we know it today would not be possible.

    Whether through inspiring financial support for the Museum’s extraordinary exhibits, recruiting manpower for the museum’s activities and research projects, or accomplishing fundraising and volunteer functions, the symbiosis between the Museum and the Foundation represents the strongest of natural relationships.

  • This mission is primarily accomplished by providing and encouraging funding for the Museum from a variety of public and private sources. Private funding may come in many forms, including tax-deductible dollar donations, as well as the energy and expertise donated by laypeople and professionals.

    Without the Foundation and its dedicated leaders, volunteers, and members, MDWFP’s Mississippi

MMNSF PROJECTS

Your support through Memberships, sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism powers the MMNS Foundation’s most meaningful work - funding immersive permanent exhibits like “Bird Flight” and “The Dinosaur Trail”, strengthening teacher workshops, opening doors for thousands of students through the Make A Splash water‑education event, and securing nationally acclaimed special exhibits. 

Every gift helps bring world‑class science education and inspiring natural history experiences to communities across Mississippi.

Click below to explore the impactful work that connects Mississippi to nature while powering hands‑on learning and unforgettable museum experiences for visitors of all ages!

MMNSF PROJECTS
DONATE
BECOME A MEMBER

Board of Directors