Photo courtesy of cnn.com

On September 3, 2018, the National Museum of Brazil suffered a catastrophic fire which destroyed countless priceless historical artifacts and specimens. Click here to read more about the fire.

Academy President Scott Cooper's statement: 

The American museum community mourns the loss of the National Museum of Brazil. The destruction of priceless historical artifacts and specimens representing hundreds of years of science, history and culture is an incalculable loss not only for Brazilians, but for all of society. Natural history museums are entrusted to protect, preserve and share the legacy of our past through the natural objects we collect, study and learn from. Such institutions are vital for society, and the loss of one is a loss for us all.