Mission:

The Burke Museum is dedicated to creating a better understanding of the world and our place in it.

The museum is responsible for Washington State collections of natural history and cultural heritage and for sharing the knowledge that makes them meaningful.

The Burke welcomes a broad and diverse audience and provides a community gathering place that nurtures life-long learning and encourages respect, responsibility and reflection.

Vision:

The Burke Museum inspires people to value their connection with all life and act accordingly.

Values:

Integrity - Being open and truthful; adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards

Respect - Respecting each other and the objects and ideas with which we work; welcoming diverse communities and divergent points of view

Excellence - Pursuing excellence in each of our endeavors; acting as leaders in our respective fields

Stewardship - Protecting the collections and information we hold for future generations; conducting business in a sustainable way

Curiosity - Encouraging curiosity in ourselves and our visitors; posing questions and seeking answers about the world and our place in it

Relevance - Exploring critical issues involving nature, cultures and their interconnections; being a valued resource for the communities we serve.