In 2010, Smithsonian collaborated with the Sultanate of Oman and the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Culture to transform the Oman Natural History Museum into a powerful educational and scientific resource. Smithsonian and Omani staff developed a master plan for the museum, including a mission and vision, staffing plan, collections management plan, and an organizational plan.
The new museum will house a collection of some 21,000 specimens as well as exciting new exhibitions. It will also offer groundbreaking research, education, and outreach programs. The museum will engage and encourage learners of all ages—Omanis as well as international visitors—to appreciate and serve as stewards of Oman’s rich natural heritage.
Smithsonian also developed a training framework for museum staff with the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. Former Smithsonian Education Specialist Nicole D. Shivers traveled to Muscat to teach workshops on public outreach and education to Omani museum professionals. At a series of four workshops in Oman and two in Washington, D.C., Nicole and her Smithsonian colleagues advised Omani museum professionals on current museum best practices in interpretation, collections management and care, and education.
