Accessing the Object Collections at the Smithsonian’s Institution National Museum of the American Indian and National Museum of Natural History

Summary

As museum object collections continue to be an important mainstay to anthropological research, collections access is in high demand, and can sometimes feel like a daunting task. This is particularly relevant when working with large museums such as the Smithsonian Institution. Knowing where collections are housed, the scope of collections, and means of access for data including collections history, images, and archival material contributes significantly to achievement of research goals. The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) are stewards to both archaeological and ethnographic collections, many of which are unique. NMAI’s object collections represent over 1200 Indigenous tribes/communities from throughout the Western Hemisphere, whereas NMNH curates historic and prehistoric collections from around the world. This paper will offer an overview of each museum’s collections, including some of the most important highlights, each museum’s online access portals, and policies and procedures for accessing the collections for research, including culturally sensitive collections and scientific analyses. This presentation provides a great opportunity for junior and senior scholars to explore and access the rich Smithsonian collections.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20992