Museum Collection - Collecting History

Building upon the generous legacy of early donors, our diverse collections presently number over 120,000 objects/specimens and are organized in three areas: American Collection, Cultural World and Natural Science. In addition to curatorial staff from the three collecting areas, we have staff in Collections Management, Conservation and two Laboratory spaces: National Geographic Treasures of the Earth and Polly Horton Hix Paleo Prep Lab in Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World who are responsible for the acquisition, management, care and utilization of artifacts/specimens.

The collection of The Children's Museum is important because artifacts and specimens:

• tell stories that connect generations;
• offer insight into the lives of people here and in other parts of the world;
• are reference points for children to compare their lives with people through time and across cultures; and
• inspire our imagination and enrich our lives.