Above the galleries are millions of scientific specimens.
Our scientific collections contain some of the largest shell and bird collections in the country.
The specimens come from all over the world — and from the local region. As a whole, the scientific collection serves as a record of biodiversity on Earth. Our staff builds, protects, and preserve our collections with the help of volunteers. Our scientists conduct a variety of research projects, and scientists from around the world also use our collections for their research.
COLLECTIONS IN ACTION
- New Bird Species Discovered in Collections: A Tawi-Tawi Tale of Mismatched Specimens
The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (DelMNS) houses an expansive bird collection in itsRead More New Bird Species Discovered in Collections: A Tawi-Tawi Tale of Mismatched Specimens - World Ocean Day
Dr. Liz Shea talks about the importance of the oceans on World Ocean Day - On Exhibit: Voices in Flight
Bird songs tell rich stories of territory, courtship, and identity. Explore these stories in threeRead More On Exhibit: Voices in Flight - A World of Shells
Hidden right in Wilmington, Delaware, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science houses a trueRead More A World of Shells - New subspecies from the Philippines uncovered in the DelMNS bird collection
Hidden in the drawers of the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (DelMNS) are treasuresRead More New subspecies from the Philippines uncovered in the DelMNS bird collection - Expedition at Sea
Museum scientist Liz Shea, Ph.D. is at sea on the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster onRead More Expedition at Sea - Explore the Scientific Collections in Our Newest Museum Display
A new exhibit in the Bill & Denise Spence Discovery Gallery features birds and marineRead More Explore the Scientific Collections in Our Newest Museum Display - Behind Every Wing – DelMNS Bird Collection Volunteers
With the help of volunteers and their countless hours of work preserving and researching specimens,Read More Behind Every Wing – DelMNS Bird Collection Volunteers - Preserving the Past, One Shell at a Time
The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science is partnering with the University of Delaware toRead More Preserving the Past, One Shell at a Time - DelMNS Interns Preserve Songbird Eggs and History
With the help of donors and the grant’s reinstatement, work on transferring more than 10,500Read More DelMNS Interns Preserve Songbird Eggs and History - Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future — But Facing New Challenges
At the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, our collections help tell the story ofRead More Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future — But Facing New Challenges - 6,000 Birds to the Scientific Collections from Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research
There are many wildlife rehabilitation centers across the United States that care for sick, orphaned,Read More 6,000 Birds to the Scientific Collections from Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research - Explore the Collections
The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science is an active, growing, mid-Atlantic repository for specimensRead More Explore the Collections - Dimming Giants
You may be familiar with the Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas) in the lobby of theRead More Dimming Giants
Research Library & Archives
The Howard and Dede Brokaw Research Library & Archives in the Collections and Research Division includes more than 10,000 volumes with an emphasis on mollusks, birds, and Delmarva ecosystems.
Scientific Publications
The museum publishes a scientific journal, Nemouria: Occasional Publications of the Delaware Museum of Natural History.
