Since 1849, MNHS has been building a collection of books, newspapers, objects, archaeological artifacts, manuscripts, art, photographs and other treasured materials that illuminate the Minnesota story. These priceless collections provide the tangible presence of the past. They are the irreplaceable record of our state's history. MNHS holds these collections in trust for Minnesota's people, for today, tomorrow and for the years to come. These collections and their care, maintenance, and use are fundamental to the Society's program. As steward of Minnesota's historical collections, MNHS has a premier duty to safeguard the collections as well as to make them available for use by the public.
Consistent with our mission, the MNHS collections focus on Minnesota and its peoples, from ancient times to the present. Items are collected by MNHS for their value in illuminating the past. The Society may consider for acquisition almost any material that has a documented association with the state's history and is in such condition that it can be maintained to ensure its lasting viability. In its collecting activities, MNHS seeks to be inclusive and to reflect the diversity of Minnesotans.
The conservators, working with the curators, collections managers, and the central registrar, are responsible for protecting collections, advising on their use, maintaining proper environments, monitoring materials used in exhibitions, periodically evaluating the condition of collections, and providing reasonable standards and safeguards for items in transit and on exhibition or loan.
Preventive conservation practices and measures are preferred to conservation treatment. The goal of the conservation program is to stabilize and maintain original material through the least intrusive means practicable. Any conservation treatment must respect the historical integrity of the item.
To learn about the different collections, visit: sites.mnhs.org/library/content/about-collections
