The mission of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History is to continue the legacy of Roger Tory Peterson by promoting the teaching and study of nature, and to thereby create knowledge of and appreciation and responsibility for the natural world.

Named in honor of America’s preeminent naturalist of the twentieth century, the Institute is based in Jamestown, NY, the birthplace of Dr. Peterson. The facility was built, in part, to house the lifetime body of work of this great naturalist. The primary objective of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute is to promote nature study in the classroom. Teaming with Nature, Nature Journals Workshop and NaturKind are just a few of the programs currently being offered by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

In addition to Dr. Peterson’s collection, the Institute offers a variety of exhibitions, programs and special events all designed to encourage an increased awareness and appreciation of the natural world.