Wylie House Museum is a dynamic and engaging historic property, continually developing its interpretive narrative to reflect new understandings. The museum's historic object collection is critical to that interpretation, providing an immersive learning experience through historical integrity. The recently established Collections Fund supports the ongoing care of these objects as well as the acquisition of new pieces and materials to enhance Wylie House's commitment to high standards of interpretation and preservation.
In recent years, particularly through a large multi-artist exhibition in 2020, the Wylie House used art to interpret its history through a contemporary lens. Acquisition of these new interpretive works of art help the museum fill important gaps in its historical narrative. This is particularly true for the lesser-known stories of people associated with Wylie House for whom little archival or material objects remain: the Native Americans who called the region home prior to the Wylie families, the Wylie family women, the Black residents of the household, the LGBTQ+ members of the family and community, and the local immigrant communities.
An initial gift to the Wylie House Museum Collections Fund allowed the museum to acquire pieces from the 2020 exhibition for its permanent collection. As the museum continues to broaden and deepen its interpretation, these works will be critical to that effort. The fund is a significant piece of our commitment to caring for and preserving our 19th century objects and interpreting with 21st century knowledge.
