Collections at the Orange County Historical Museum
Orange County Historical Museum has over 2,000 artifacts, books, photographs, and documents in its collections.
Most of the objects deal specifically with Hillsborough and Orange County history, and were either made in Orange County or owned by an Orange County resident. The collections are a combination of those from the museum and from the Hillsborough Historical Society.
Artifacts are used to interpret Orange County history, augment exhibit text, research the past, and provide ideas for programs. Artifacts from more than 300 years of Hillsborough and Orange County history are currently displayed in the museum's main exhibits. Additional pieces from the collection are on display during special exhibits.
A Look Inside the Collections
Paper records and photographic collections are described in finding aids. The museum has finding aids for several of its collections, and is in the process of documenting other collections. Click on the collection name to open a PDF version of the finding aid.
Preserving the Collections- Adopt an Artifact Program
The museum has more than 1,500 artifacts in its collection, but over the years, some of the items have started to deteriorate. Many of these artifacts are in need of immediate conservation in order to save these treasures for future generations. Our Adopt an Artifact program allows community members, foundations, and corporations to donate money that is earmarked for conservation efforts.
Donating to the Collections
If you have an item or collection of items that you are interested in donating to the museum, please visit the Acquisition Policy link. You will learn what type of materials we collect and how to go about making a donation.
Caring for Your Own Special Collections
Many families have their own special collections of papers, books, and photographs. Caring for them can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Many techniques to preserve collections can be done at home, using materials available in catalogs and online. For information on caring for your own treasures, visit the Preserving Family Treasures page at the Greensboro Historical Museum.
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