Collections

The museum collections at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site are the foundation of our understanding of the people who have lived and worked in this place for over 10,000 years and the technologies they used to exploit the resources around the Saugus River. The collections fall into three main categories: Archeology, History and Archival.

Archeology collections consist of approximately 41,000 objects found through archeological digs at the site of the iron making plant that operated here from 1646 to about 1670. These materials, along with their associated documentation, provide a record of early iron-making processes and products as well as a portrait of early settlement life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Eighteenth through twentieth century objects were also found, reflecting the later history of the site, especially the residents of the Iron Works House. There are also a substantial number of Native American objects that date to as early as 8,000 BP that provide insight into the tools, technologies, and lives of the Native peoples who lived in the area.

History collections at Saugus Iron Works consist of decorative arts objects. They primarily serve to interpret the 1680’s Iron Works House and include period and reproduction furnishings and household objects. Other decorative arts include items associated with noted antiquarian Wallace Nutting (1862-1941) and materials related to the site’s founding organization, the First Iron Works Association (1943-1978). Architectural materials removed from the Iron Works House during maintenance projects are sampled and retained in collections.

Archival collections provide invaluable information on the site’s excavation, reconstruction, and development as an outdoor living history museum. Resource management records generated under the National Park Service administration of the site are also held in the park’s archive.

 

 

Research

Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site collections can be accessed in person by appointment only. Researchers are encouraged to complete their preliminary research at other archives, libraries, and/or museum collections before approaching Saugus Iron Works. Access to materials is dependent upon their physical condition and level of processing to date by park staff. If you would like to inquire about researching the collection or set up a research appointment, please email the Curator, Dr. Emily Murphy.

NPS Museum Collections

Museum and archives collections have an important place in the mission of the National Park Service. The National Park Service cares for some of the largest and most diverse natural and cultural history collections in the world. It also keeps records and lists of our most treasured historic places for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all. Our care of these collections furthers the National Park Service's mission to protect all resources within the land it manages, and ensures that these critical items are cared for in the public trust and shared with anyone who asks.

Nearly every unit of the National Park Service has some form of a museum and archives collection. These collections may include historic objects, natural history specimens, archeology, and archives. Museum and archives collections offer tangible evidence of who we were and who we are as a society. Museum and archives collections are available to the public through exhibitions, web exhibits, and research. For more information about museum collections in the NPS, please visit the Museum Management Program.