The Las Vegas Natural History Museum became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2002. The affiliation program offers the Museum access to the Smithsonian's vast collections. This affiliation will benefit the community through long term loans of artifacts that are being integrated into exhibitions and educational programs.

Museum staff are actively involved in the following community organizations:

• CHOLLA (Connecting Hands: Offering Life Long Learning Activities ) A collaboration between Clark County School District and place based educators.
• Cultural Corridor Coalition www.culturalcorridorvegas.org
  A collaboration of downtown cultural institutions, Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Reed Whipple Cultural Center, Las Vegas Library, Lied Discovery Children's Museum, Cashman Center and the Neon Sign Museum.
• SWMEA (Southwestern Marine Educator Association)
• Nevada Museums Association
• Museums and Attractions in Nevada
• AFP (Association of Fund-raising Professionals)
• PEE (Partners in Education about the Environment), Development Committee: Environmental Education and Interpretation for State Certification

The Museum is more than a building and a collection; it is a dedicated and endlessly resourceful staff, a tireless group of volunteers, and a committed Board of Directors. We have learned that we progress through partnerships, and we succeed only with the gracious help and support of many.