Have you wondered why we collect things? It’s an urge that can be hard to resist, and you are certainly not alone in this impulse.

There are collections in nearly every American household: some stashed in basements and attics, while others are proudly displayed. The latest exhibition at the SCHS examines the cultural, and psychological impulses of collecting. Richly illustrated by both museum and private collections, we will dive deep into the world of collecting and discover how objects, art, and other ephemera can inform historical perspectives, build community memory, and create a meaningful sense of place.