California Academy of Sciences

Mission

Founded in 1853, the mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to explore, explain, and sustain life. They seek to connect people to the wonder of the natural wold, the power of science, and solutions for a sustainable future. In addition, the Academy is committed to: scientific excellence, sustainability, environmental literacy, courage, professional integrity, inspiration, collaboration, accessibility, diversity, and fun. Learn more about their vision and values on their website.

Featured Fun

Celebrating SF History Days–Academy Style

Incredible photos! Amazing history! Specimens galore! In this extra-special, San Francisco History Days-themed program, Head Librarian Rebekah Kim will talk about the earliest days of the Academy; Research Collections Registrar Lindsay Palaima will cover the history of African Hall (from the original dioramas to its use as a WWII optics shop); and collections managers from our botany, entomology, geology, ichthyology, and anthropology departments (and more!) will show a lineup of incredible specimens connected to the natural—and cultural—history of San Francisco. Don’t miss it!