About the Museum Collection

 

Homestead National Historical Park has over 9,000 archaeological artifacts, over 6,700 historical objects, over 1,000 scientific specimens and over 928,000 archival documents or 580 linear feet. The collection numbers over 944,000 items!

Historical objects range from plows to modern trapping equipment from Alaskan homesteads. There are 123 years between the first homesteader, Daniel Freeman, and the last homesteader, Kenneth Deardorff. The needs of the homesteader did not change dramatically, but the technology did.

 

Collection Management:

The management and storage of these items is an essential part of our Cultural Resource Management Program. As you visit our park you will see how we manage those items in our “View into the Collection” window. This window looks into the collection storage area where collection items are stored.

Museum collections management uses a systematic approach to preserve and make use of the museum collection. It involves long- and short-term planning as well day-to-day management of the objects. Environmental conditions are controlled to maintain a constant temperature and humidity. Documentation, preservation, conservation, and planning are all major facets of museum collection management.

Read the Scope of Collections Statement (PDF 1.8MB) for more information about how we manage our museum collection. To learn more about researching the collection check out the Researcher Information page.

 

Questions about the Collections? Contact us!

Homestead National Historical Park
Attention: Museum Technician
8523 West State Hwy 4
Beatrice, NE 68310

Phone: [phone]
or email us.