Collections

Selection of military insignia in the Gateway collection.

NPS PHOTO

Gateway's Museum Collection

The Gateway National Recreation Area museum collection contains a great variety of objects ranging from artillery shells to sea shells. Aircraft to insects, this collection contains something of interest to everyone. The museum holdings relate to the history of the park and include significant archival and historical collections related to the military, aviation and recreational stories and sites throughout the park. These holdings also include an archeological and a natural history collection.

Archival holdings include photographs, architectural drawings, manuals, maps, menus, newspapers and more. The history objects in the collection include a wide variety of items such as uniforms, insignia, cups, plaques and jewelry.

Gateway's collection can be viewed and used by researchers by calling 718-354-4537 to contact one of our curatorial staff. You can also e-mail us.

 

Our collections include many photographs, some of which were stored in scrapbooks.

NPS ARCHIVES

Aviation History

The early history of American civilian and military aviation is well represented at Floyd Bennett Field and Miller Field. Along with Naval Air Station Rockaway, once located in today’s Riis Park, Gateway can represent the history of aviation from the early 1900’s to modern times. We have items that range from airplanes and helicopters to photographs, manuals, pilot log books, flight suits and goggles.

National Defense

Harbor defense is strongly represented at many of Gateway’s sites. Forts Wadsworth, Tilden and Hancock all played an integral part in the defense of New York Harbor from the American Revolution through the Cold War, and into the early 1970’s. There are many artifacts in the collection ranging from the official to the personal. These include architectural drawings, uniforms, reports, menus, letters, cannons, insignia, etc.

Recreation

Another important aspect Gateway’s history, as well as its current use, is recreation. Many of Gateway’s visitors come to use the beaches, walk along the paths, play sports, bird watch, and attend special events. These uses can also be traced throughout the history of Gateway, and prior to the park’s establishment. Some of the artifacts we have in this area are swim suit wringers, programs and photographs.

Natural Resources

Gateway is unique in its abundance of open space around New York Harbor. One of the truly exciting aspects of the park is the abundance of nature surrounded by an intensely urban setting. Our museum collection has some examples of the many plants and animals found at our sites. These items were collected under permit for scientific study. Please remember that it is illegal to remove any natural or cultural resources from national parks.