Our Mission


Since 2008, the Center for PostNatural History has played a vital role in increasing understanding of human entanglement with the natural world. While humans were once mere participants in the evolutionary process, we are now a primary force shaping it, from the indigenous origins of agriculture to genetic engineering. Such profound transformation necessitates public education, awareness, and dialogue, which PostNatural provides through exhibitions, workshops, collaborations, and multimedia content.

In association with the Swiss Musée d'histoire post-naturelle (MHPN)  led by Gil Oliveira.

The Center for PostNatural History (2008) has no relation to the Institute for Postnatural Studies (2020).


PostNatural History n.


  1. The study of the origins, habitats, and evolution of organisms that have been intentionally and heritably altered by humans.
  2. The record of the influence of human culture on evolution.


Support


The Center for PostNatural History is made possible in part by generous support from the following contributors: The Kindle Project, The Creative Capital Foundation, The Waag Society, The Frank-Ratchye Studio for Creative Inquiry, The Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship, Media Arts Fellowships (funded by the Rockefeller Foundation through the Tribeca Film Institute), New York State Council on the Arts, The Schenectady Museum, our museum visitors, and possibly YOU!

Share your postnatural story.

Follow us!  @postnaturalhistory 

Photo by Stephanie Strasburg

Richard Pell - Founder, Executive Director, & Curator of PostNatural Organisms
Lauren Allen - Ex-Officio Director of Science and Learning



POSTNATURAL Board of Directors


Dr. Stuart Candy - Chair

Maria Silvestri - Secretary

Reed Taylor - Treasurer

Maggie Hartnick - Director

Dr. Steven Tonsor - Director



Interns:


Devin Gaichas, Neve Monroe-Anderson