Become A Collector
(from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History)
Collecting helps to preserve objects for the future. By studying objects from the past, we can learn about the people who used them and how they lived. In the future, people will look at the objects that we use everyday to learn about us.
When you start your own collection, keep these questions in mind.
- What kind of things do you like?
- What kinds of things go together?
You can collect all kinds of things. Objects do not have to be expensive or rare to be collected. Do you enjoy sports? Do you like to read? Do you play a musical instrument?
One of the great things about collecting is learning more about your interests. If you are interested in baseball, collecting baseball cards helps you learn about your favorite players. You can collect things important to your family, and create a family history museum! The possibilities are endless!
Objects in a collection usually go together in some way. For example, you could start a "stuffed animals" collection, and collect all different types of stuffed animals. You could also start a "Stars and Stripes" collection and collect all sorts of things related to the American flag. After you have chosen a collecting theme, think about what objects best fit into your collection. How will they be similar to each other? Different? Big? Small? As the collector, you get to decide!
Collecting Tips:Light: Don't store materials in direct sunlight.
Temperature: Don't let your objects get too hot or too cold. Store them in a closet, not in a basement, attic, or garage.
Air pollution: Keep dust off your objects. Don't exhibit your objects near the kitchen or fireplace.
Insects: Store your objects away from places bugs live, like kitchens and damp places.
Make a list of some of the things you might like to collect. Draw a picture of your collection.
