Collections
The Whatnot Museum collection is a trove of unusual, overlooked, and wonderfully curious objects — each with a story to tell. From quirky pieces of art and forgotten cultural artifacts to everyday items with surprising histories, every “whatnot” invites you to look closer, learn more, and see the past in a new light.
Medical Models & Products
The museum collects a range of anatomical models designed to help students learn about the human body. These items are valued for their realistic detail, artistry, and historical importance in shaping medical education and practice.
Toys & Games
Toys and games from the past reveal much about the values, ideas, and traditions passed down to children. They also reflect historical events, social trends, and technological advancements. These objects are collected for their creative design, unique themes, and ability to capture the culture of their time.
Mourning & Funeral Traditions
For centuries, people in Western culture have used art to remember and honor loved ones who passed away. They created keepsakes like photos, embroidery, paintings, jewelry, and even items made from the person’s hair. While these practices might seem unusual today, they were powerful ways to show love and grief. These objects remind us how people’s views on death and mourning have changed over time.
Black History & Culture
The museum showcases artifacts that reflect the Black experience in America. These items highlight a history of love, resilience, and community, as well as the struggles faced in a country built with their contributions. They also show the profound influence Black Americans have had on shaping American culture.
Ephemera & Printed Matter
Ephemera are vintage printed or written items that were originally meant to be temporary, like bus passes, restaurant menus, product labels, and postcards. Despite their disposable nature, these items offer a unique glimpse into everyday life and culture from different times and places. The museum’s collection features a wide variety of ephemera, preserving pieces of history that might have otherwise been lost.
Paintings, Sculpture, & Textiles
While art and creativity are present throughout the collection, these objects were specifically chosen to celebrate the skill of their creators. Whether originally made as products or personal decorations, they are collected to be admired and studied for their beauty and design.
Taxidermy, Bones, & Specimens
Taxidermy is the art of preparing, stuffing, or mounting animals for display or study. Specimens, which may include whole animals or parts, serve as examples of their species or type. The collection preserves these objects to showcase the beauty of animals for future generations and provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from nature.
Whatnot
The museum collects unusual objects that may not be valuable but deserve to be shared with the public. With diverse mediums and themes, these items don’t fit into other collections but still represent important examples of art, daily life, history, and culture.
