Museum Information > Mission Statement

In 1986, the Elgin Public Museum Board of Directors formally adopted a mission statement that defined ten specific
Roles and Responsibilities of the Elgin Public Museum:

Cultural Resource: Museums are cultural institutions. As a natural history and anthropology museum, the Elgin Public Museum has an opportunity to explain the physical environment and man's adaptation to it; to promote an understanding and appreciation for other cultures, past and present; and to increase our awareness of the decisions human cultures have made.

Educational Resource: The Museum provides educational services both through schools and directly to the public.

Recreational Resource: Parents bring their children to the Museum to share and encourage intellectual interests and curiosity.

Community Resource: It is the Museum's role and responsibility to enhance the quality of life experienced by all members of the community.

Repository: As a public trust, the Museum has the responsibility to maintain, care for, document, interpret, and display the objects entrusted to it.

Communicator: Museum objects and the information they convey are intended to be passed on to future generations.

Tourism: As one of five non-university affiliated natural history museums in the State, and the only natural history museum in the Fox Valley Area, the Museum attracts visitors from all over the region.

Landmark: The Museum building is the second oldest structure built to house a museum in the State of Illinois which still serves that purpose.

Anchor for Lords Park: The existence of the Museum and its active schedule of family-oriented events helps encourage families to use and enjoy Lords Park.

Community Pride: A sense of pride is shared by residents of a community which supports unique cultural and recreational resources.