Collections

Similar to our modern suitcases, ˀısáaptakay were used as a means to store and transport food or other materials. Bags are made from rawhide and usually painted with geometric designs using mineral-based paint.

NPS photo

Museum Collections

Nez Perce National Historical Park acquired its first museum collections in 1965, with objects from Watson’s Store and the Evans Sacajawea Museum Collection. In 1977, the park began its formal museum collections management program. Some of the more notable museum collections stored at the Nez Perce National Historical Park include: The Wetxuuwíitin’ Collection, The Lawyer Family Collection, and the park’s dugout canoe collection. Park collections may be used for exhibits, interpretive programs, research, publications, and interpretive media.

Collections from several other National Park Service sites are also curated here, including Big Hole National Battlefield and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. In addition, the park helps curate the Nez Perce Tribe’s museum collections.

Many of our collections are available in our virtual museum, linked below. The Plateau People's Portal also has excellent photos and information about the Wetxuuwíitin’ Collection, a temporary exhibit, currently on display at the Spalding Visitor Center. The Idaho Humanities Council featured a talk about this collection that was recorded and can be watched here.

Prospective Donors

Nez Perce National Historical Park 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:

• Archaeology: Artifacts, specimens, and associated records coming from archaeological research at the park.
• Ethnography: Objects that reflect Nez Perce and Columbia Plateau material culture. This includes pre-contact and contemporary weaving, beadwork, clothing, tools, etc.
• History: Objects that represent the park’s interpretive themes of trade, missionary activities, westward expansion, mining and timber harvesting, military and Fort Lapwai, and the 1877 conflict.
• Archives: Material includes archival 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. 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. A team of park staff and subject-matter experts considers 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. For legal and ethical reasons Nez Perce National Historical Park museum staff cannot provide appraisals or valuations of items.

If you wish to donate to the Nez Perce Tribe's museum collections, please contact the Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resources Program. Nez Perce National Historical Park and the Nez Perce Tribe are two separate entities, each with their own museum collections.

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 [phone] or email us.