The Virginia Museum of Natural History provides a place where visitors can understand more about the scientific research about the Commonwealth of the natural history of Virginia. It features exhibits, education programs, and publications that translate these scientific researches into something that can be easily understood by visitors of all ages.

The Museum was founded in 1984 as the private institution, The Boaz Foundation. It is guided by scholars and citizens from the Commonwealth. Soon after, it became the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

It aims to promote the understanding of natural history as the first step toward the preservation and management of natural resources in the future. It makes the visitors realize that each individual from Virginia benefits from the education programs and researches of the institution.