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Delegates back bill naming Natural History Society of Maryland the state natural history museum
Summary
Delegate Nick Allen and Natural History Society witnesses urged lawmakers to designate the society as Maryland’s official natural history museum, citing its century of collections, education programs, and pending renovation.
Lawmakers in the Health and Government Operations Committee heard supporters of House Bill 169 press for naming the Natural History Society of Maryland as the state’s official natural history museum, arguing the designation would protect collections and expand public access.
Delegate Nick Allen, sponsor of HB169, called the society a “hidden gem” in District 8 and said Maryland is one of the few states without an official natural history museum. Society representatives described nearly 100 years of stewardship and research, presented examples of collections and programming, and outlined how state recognition would increase visibility and preservation of irreplaceable specimens.
Dave Pittenger, vice chair of the museum’s board, said the organization curates scientific collections and runs public exhibits, noting the museum recently mounted its first temporary woolly mammoth exhibit in Maryland and had begun a major renovation funded in part by previously approved county and state funds. Rafael Santos, a Natural History Society staff member, described the museum’s “inner” research collections and an example specimen: a privately assembled butterfly collection containing about 17,000 specimens that might otherwise be lost without a state-designated repository.
Trustee Tewig George testified the museum runs educational programs across Maryland — including fossil-collecting trips, inventories of reptiles and amphibians in partnership with Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and distribution of fossil kits to K–12 teachers — and reported 2024 program metrics: 262 programs with 6,500 participants and at least 120 open days drawing an additional 5,000 guests; admission is free.
Supporters asked the committee to issue a favorable report, arguing the designation would enable the society to expand its role as a research repository, stabilize care for collections, and increase public education. No formal action on the bill was recorded at the hearing.
