Mission

We are The Metropolitan Society of Natural Historians, a nonprofit 501(c) organization based in New York City and dedicated to advancing the natural and environmental sciences for the public benefit and also providing a forum for scientists to come together and share ideas and knowledge. We promote environmental awareness and scientific thinking through discussion and interaction between scientists and the general public. Our principle activities involve organizing field trips led by scientists to natural ecosystems, museums and parks. To see our bylaws visit here.

First Society Event:Trip to Greenbelt Park, Staten Island, NY, September 23, 2011

First Society Event:Trip to Greenbelt Park, Staten Island, NY, September 23, 2011

History

On September 9, 2011, Stephanie Loria and Sean Keane McKenzie did conspire to found a society, based in New York City, for the purpose of fostering intellectual advancement in and enjoyment of natural history. To this end was founded The Metropolitan Society of Natural Historians, bringing together diverse persons in the metropolitan area with interest in the various branches of natural history to share knowledge and love of the amazing works of nature.

What We've Achieved

  • More than 2,100 people have attended our 100+ events

  • Guided tours of exhibits, natural history collections and parks with researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, New York Botanical Garden, City University of New York, Rockefeller University, Columbia University and Princeton University

  • Field trips to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

  • Photography and nature writing contests open to the public to encourage participants to engage themselves with the natural world

Our Logo

Eurypterus remipes is the state fossil of New York. It is part of the order Eurypterida (the sea scorpions), which belongs to the group Chelicerata, which includes Xisphosura (horseshoe crabs), Arachnida (spiders, scorpions and their relatives) and Pycnogonida (sea spiders). We chose this 430 million year old fossil as our logo since it represents New York’s fascinating natural history. Logo design credit goes to Maurice Chen.