Using Museum Collections

Have you ever turned to a small museum or local historical society in search of information about your family history?

In my early days of research, writing letters to these societies was a routine part of the process. Before the days of Ancestry and FamilySearch, local repositories were often the best—and sometimes only—places to find certain records. While the rise of online databases has made research more accessible, it may also have led many to overlook the valuable resources still held by local organizations.

Fortunately, many historical societies now use museum software that allows the public to browse their collections online. The Nemaha County Historical Society, for example, has offered public access to its holdings for several years, and they recently upgraded their museum software to further improve that access.

Using these public databases, researchers can:

• Browse the society’s holdings and create a list of items relevant to their research
• Submit that list to the museum staff ahead of a visit so materials can be pulled in advance
• Request digital copies of specific images directly through the site

Nemaha County’s new PastPerfect interface makes this especially easy. When you find an image of interest, simply click on it to open a detailed view, where you’ll also see an option to submit a request form for a digital copy.

Don’t underestimate what these local institutions might hold—they can be a goldmine for uncovering your family’s story.

List of museums providing public access via PastPerfect Museum Software