Morrison Natural History Museum Foundation

"Small Museum with Big Discoveries."

Don't underestimate the power of being small. In fact, it's an asset. The museum's diminutive size allows for a focused and nimble approach, resulting in an unparalleled experience for both visitors and volunteers. 

This experience is something that larger museums simply can't replicate. By choosing to support our museum, you're not only supporting a local institution, but you're also gaining access to a unique and tailored experience that you won't find anywhere else. Come see for yourself why being small is a big advantage. The museum is open daily, year round.

About Morrison Natural History Museum

Morrison Natural History Museum (MNHM) is Jefferson County's premier paleontological museum. The museum offers personalized programs, including guided tours, with every admission. The personal touch of a knowledgeable guide who individualizes programming is the most impactful method of translating our mission into action and relevance. 

Visitors are introduced to Jeffco's natural heritage with touchable exhibits and demonstrations. The exhibits explore extinct life and landscapes of Jurassic Morrison, Cretaceous Colorado, and the Ice Age Front Range. Visitors are encouraged to explore exhibits with a guide to enhance their experience. Unique displays are fueled by ongoing research, including the first Stegosaurus fossils and other Jurassic giants. During the program, visitors encounter T. rex and Triceratops from Colorado's Cretaceous past and Ice Age beasts that once roamed the foothills. Hands-on demonstrations allow visitors to experience the thrill of working inside a real paleontology lab as they help clean fossils. 

Curators are engaged in local paleontological research projects that create unique and relevant programs. Engaging, tactile exhibits are built in-house to suit programming needs. This model of research leading to exhibits for personalized programming is the signature of the small institution, and discoveries made by the curators have attracted international media attention. Museum curators have participated in science education programming on a variety of media platforms in recent years, including advising and participating in documentaries. The personalized visitor experience is unparalleled, regardless of size or community stature. 

The highly effective methodology ranks MNHM at the top of local institutions according to visitor reviews. In 2023, MNHM provided nearly 2,000 programs as informal hourly programs for 11,000 walk-in visitors. Outreach programs served almost 4,000. Some 78 specialized programs were led for schools and related groups, all of which are tied to state standards. 68% of visitors hailed from outside Morrison's home county, indicating a positive economic impact as the museum attracts and retains tourists. Half of visitors originated from outside the Denver metro area, another US state, or abroad. 

MNHM is a department of the Town of Morrison, Colorado, and a permanent community asset supported by the Morrison Natural History Museum Foundation, a nonprofit that champions mission enrichment.

The volunteers and staff thank you for your support!

Your Gifts

At the Morrison Natural History Museum Foundation, we're proud to be volunteer organized and led. This means that every donation we receive goes directly towards supporting the museum's mission of acquiring, preserving, and displaying objects related to local paleontology. With no overhead costs, you can trust that your contribution is making a real difference.

Our exhibits serve as the foundation for a variety of educational programs, all focused on promoting science literacy, education, and critical thinking. By exploring the wonders of paleontology, visitors of all ages are inspired to learn more about the natural world around them.

So whether you're a long-time supporter of the museum or a first-time donor, we invite you to join us in our efforts to preserve and promote the rich history of our region. With your help, we can continue to provide engaging exhibits and educational programs for generations to come.