Following a lengthy process to elicit input from MNA members and staff, the MNA Board of Trustees has approved an updated Mission statement, as well as statements of Vision and Values, to guide MNA operations.

Mission
The mission of the Museum of Northern Arizona is to inspire a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau through collecting, studying, interpreting, and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Museum reaffirms the core tenets of the mission established by the founders in 1928:

• Research – “to increase knowledge of science and art”
• Collections – “to collect and preserve objects of art and scientific interest”
• Education – “to diffuse knowledge and appreciation of science and art”
• Conservation – “to preserve and protect the region’s historic and prehistoric sites, works of art, scenic places, [plants], and wildlife from needless destruction”
• Place – “to maintain a museum in the city of Flagstaff that provides facilities for research and aesthetic enjoyment”

Vision
The Museum of Northern Arizona is a warm and vibrant place of ideas, with a strong local identity, a regional focus, and an international perspective. Our vision for the Museum over its second 75 years is that:

• It is a welcoming place where people are drawn together to share their knowledge, love of learning, and sense of innovation
• It is a place that supports and gives voice to the region’s diverse cultural perspectives
• It has sustainable, state-of-the-art facilities while retaining its traditional character
• Its educational programs and exhibits are beautifully presented, inspiring and intellectually challenging
• Its collections are conserved with great care and respect, and will provide a continuing source of inspiration and learning
• It sets the standard for on-going regional research that is solid and significant
• Its staff and volunteers are creative, enthusiastic, and supportive of each other, the Museum’s mission, and the wider museum community

Values
The Museum of Northern Arizona is committed to:

• Openness – of purpose, governance, and communication
• Integrity – in fair and ethical practices, and the respectful treatment of all
• Excellence – in leadership, cooperation, and in use of highest museum standards
• Relevance – in identifying and responding to new challenges
• Stability – of its mission, vision, and resources, particularly its collections
• Respect – for different viewpoints, diverse cultural values, and the traditions of the Museum

Adopted June 26, 2004.