Collections

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site museum collection began back in 1941 with the archaeological excavations on the park grounds by archaeologist, Thomas R. Garth Jr. His fieldwork at the site uncovered thousands of artifacts, which make up the bulk of the museum collection to this day. The park also contains a significant collection of historical and ethnographic objects, natural specimens, artwork, historical photographs, and archival materials. In total, the park museum collection contains approximately 68,100 items in its museum collection. Park collections may be used for exhibits, interpretive programs, research, publications, and interpretive media.

Prospective Donors

Whitman Mission National Historic Site welcomes donations that fit into the themes as described in our Scope of Collections statement. This document defines the scope of present and future museum collection holdings and ensures that all collections are clearly relevant to the park’s mission. Any potential donations should fit into one of the categories as described below:

• Artifacts, specimens, and associated records coming from archaeological research at the park.
• Objects that reflect Cayuse, Walla Walla, Umatilla, and Columbia Plateau material culture. This includes pre-contact and contemporary weaving, beadwork, clothing, tools, etc.
• Objects that represent the park’s interpretive themes of westward expansion, missionary activities, Cayuse and Walla Walla spirituality, and agriculture and land management practices related to the mission period.
• Archival material including manuscripts, oral histories, audio/visual media, rare books, photographs, and park administrative documents.

If you are interested in donating to the museum collection, please send an email to museum staff. In the email, please include as much background information about the item as possible and images. A team of park staff and subject-matter experts evaluates potential donations and determines if the donation fits within the park’s collecting guidelines and if the park has the means to care for the donation in perpetuity. The park does not accept “drop off donations” where items are left at or shipped to the park without prior contact with the park’s museum collections staff.

Access and Use

Access to the museum collection is open by appointment only. Hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays, and subject to staff availability. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Museum Curator at (208) 843-7040 or by email.