The act to incorporate the American Museum of Natural History, which passed the New York State Congress on April 6, 1869, states: The American Museum of Natural History, to be located in the City of New York for the purpose of establishing and maintaining in said city a Museum and Library of Natural History; of encouraging and developing the study of Natural Science; of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and to that end of furnishing popular instruction.
The 1996 strategic plan, adopted by the Board of Trustees on December 10, includes the following statement of mission: To discover, interpret, and disseminate -- through scientific research and education -- knowledge about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe.