diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6a1c68683a..7a7d94500f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -69,14 +69,10 @@
 </table>
 
 
-pvlib python is a community supported tool that provides a set of
+pvlib python is a community developed toolbox that provides a set of
 functions and classes for simulating the performance of photovoltaic
-energy systems. pvlib python was originally ported from the PVLIB MATLAB
-toolbox developed at Sandia National Laboratories and it implements many
-of the models and methods developed at the Labs. More information on
-Sandia Labs PV performance modeling programs can be found at
-https://pvpmc.sandia.gov/. We collaborate with the PVLIB MATLAB project,
-but operate independently of it.
+energy systems and accomplishing related tasks.  The core mission of pvlib python is to provide open,
+reliable, interoperable, and benchmark implementations of PV system models.
 
 
 Documentation
@@ -142,6 +138,20 @@ License
 BSD 3-clause.
 
 
+History and acknowledgement
+===========================
+
+pvlib python started out as a Python translation of the PVLIB MATLAB
+toolbox (developed by the `PVPMC <https://pvpmc.sandia.gov/>`_ at
+Sandia National Laboratories) in 2013 and has grown substantially since then.
+Today it contains code contributions from over a hundred individuals worldwide
+and is maintained by a core group of PV modelers from a variety institutions.
+
+pvlib has been supported directly and indirectly by DOE, NumFOCUS, and
+Google Summer of Code funding, university research projects,
+companies that allow their employees to contribute, and from personal time.
+
+
 NumFOCUS
 ========
 
diff --git a/docs/sphinx/source/index.rst b/docs/sphinx/source/index.rst
index 2810d76ce0..d8d8d9debd 100644
--- a/docs/sphinx/source/index.rst
+++ b/docs/sphinx/source/index.rst
@@ -4,17 +4,14 @@
 pvlib python
 ============
 
-pvlib python is a community supported tool that provides a set of
+pvlib python is a community developed toolbox that provides a set of
 functions and classes for simulating the performance of photovoltaic
-energy systems. pvlib python was originally ported from the PVLIB MATLAB
-toolbox developed at Sandia National Laboratories and it implements many
-of the models and methods developed at the Labs. More information on
-Sandia Labs PV performance modeling programs can be found at the `PVPMC <https://pvpmc.sandia.gov/>`_. We collaborate with the PVLIB MATLAB project,
-but operate independently of it.
+energy systems and accomplishing related tasks.
+The core mission of pvlib python is to provide open,
+reliable, interoperable, and benchmark implementations of PV system models.
 
 The source code for pvlib python is hosted on `github
 <https://github.com/pvlib/pvlib-python>`_.
-
 Please see the :ref:`installation` page for installation help.
 
 For examples of how to use pvlib python, please see
@@ -33,6 +30,21 @@ application.
 There is a :ref:`variable naming convention <variables_style_rules>` to
 ensure consistency throughout the library.
 
+
+History and acknowledgement
+===========================
+
+pvlib python started out as a Python translation of the PVLIB MATLAB
+toolbox (developed by the `PVPMC <https://pvpmc.sandia.gov/>`_ at
+Sandia National Laboratories) in 2013 and has grown substantially since then.
+Today it contains code contributions from over a hundred individuals worldwide
+and is maintained by a core group of PV modelers from a variety institutions.
+
+pvlib has been supported directly and indirectly by DOE, NumFOCUS, and
+Google Summer of Code funding, university research projects,
+companies that allow their employees to contribute, and from personal time.
+
+
 Citing pvlib python
 ===================
 
diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 5d9b1a69fd..e031a4ee1f 100755
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -12,14 +12,11 @@
 DESCRIPTION = ('A set of functions and classes for simulating the ' +
                'performance of photovoltaic energy systems.')
 LONG_DESCRIPTION = """
-PVLIB Python is a community supported tool that provides a set of
+pvlib python is a community developed toolbox that provides a set of
 functions and classes for simulating the performance of photovoltaic
-energy systems. PVLIB Python was originally ported from the PVLIB MATLAB
-toolbox developed at Sandia National Laboratories and it implements many
-of the models and methods developed at the Labs. More information on
-Sandia Labs PV performance modeling programs can be found at
-https://pvpmc.sandia.gov/. We collaborate with the PVLIB MATLAB project,
-but operate independently of it.
+energy systems and accomplishing related tasks.  The core mission of pvlib
+python is to provide open, reliable, interoperable, and benchmark
+implementations of PV system models.
 
 We need your help to make pvlib-python a great tool!