The florida museum of natural history at the university of florida will expand its museum in the parks programming to a statewide model that will focus on natural history inquiry

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the University of Florida $801,088 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to expand the Florida Museum of Natural History's Museum in the Parks programming to a statewide model focused on natural history inquiry.

The Florida Museum of Natural History will assemble new exploration kits for three counties and three partner institutions, provide professional development in inquiry-based outdoor science facilitation to partner staff, assist each partner institution in delivering eight in-person programs, and create digital content highlighting local scientists, park habitats, and exploration techniques. The project will hire two education assistants to support program delivery and expansion. Activities are expected to increase public access to natural history learning and strengthen collaboration among Florida's science institutions.

Place of performance is Gainesville, Florida. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028.

Project activities will include assembling new exploration kits for three counties and three partner institutions, providing professional development opportunities in inquiry-based outdoor science facilitation, assisting each partner institution in delivering eight in-person programs, and creating new digital content highlighting local scientists, park habitats, and exploration techniques. The project will involve hiring two education assistants to provide help in program delivery and expansion. The outcome of project activities will be increased public access to natural history learning and strengthened collaboration among florida's science institutions.