Our Work
Our human histories and cultures work covers projects that aim to preserve cultural knowledge or better understand human histories, cultures, practices, diversity and evolution — past and present; and projects that center communities and inform and inspire global audiences with stories or lessons about humanity.
hominin skeletal specimens found by Explorer at Large Lee Berger’s team at a new fossil site in South Africa
provided to storytellers on the front lines of the pandemic through our COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Journalists
year-old submerged tomb of the Kushite King Nastasen found in Sudan by Pearce Paul Creasman
Featured Program
Out of Eden Walk
In 2013, Paul Salopek set out on a 24,000-mile odyssey to retrace our ancestors’ global migration by foot. Paul is walking the pathways of the first humans who migrated out of Africa in the Stone Age and made the Earth ours. Along the way, he is covering the major stories of our time by giving voice to the people who inhabit them every day.
In the Field
Our Human Histories and Cultures Explorers
From human rights issues and stories of survival to the evolution of ancient species and human progress, they map out our shared past. Our human histories and cultures Explorers dedicate their lives to documenting, investigating, studying and preserving our planet’s past and uncovering the very roots of humanity. Revealing stories from the past brings context to the modern-day.
Read more stories of impact from some of our Explorers on nationalgeographic.com.
Explorer's Perspective
Making a Difference
"I am convinced that this unusual time in our collective history shows that humans are undeniably interrelated with nature and that a human population in balance depends on a planet in balance."
Join Us
Help Us Protect Our Human Stories
Cultivate Curiosity In the Next Generation
Dig deeper into human histories and cultures and download resources we've made available for educators and learners in our Resource Library. We've provided lessons, articles, maps, videos and so much more to inspire our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.
Support Our Work
As a global community, we have a duty to preserve our rich histories and cultures. We believe that when people understand our shared histories, they can better appreciate its cultural wonders and care for one another. Will you help protect the wonder of our world?