Massachusetts Historical Society

Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission

To promote understanding of the history of Massachusetts and the nation by collecting and communicating materials and resources that foster historical knowledge.

Vision

A world where historical understanding is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

To realize this vision, we strive to make our collections accessible to all. We aim to make a difference in our community, and we connect with people in imaginative and intellectual ways. As a center for learning and engagement, we enhance the understanding of our nation’s past and its connection to the present. We provide a forum for discussion and debate. We will become a destination in the Boston area to serve multiple communities from the local to the international.

Values

We believe that historical understanding is critical to creating a better world. We welcome everyone to draw upon our collections to encourage a richer understanding of our past. We use our resources to educate, connect, and inspire in order to build historical empathy, foster civic responsibility, and generate an awareness of and respect for our shared humanity.

Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:

Providing Access

Embracing Diversity

Demonstrating Quality

December 2019

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