Museum Objects

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Behind the Scenes of a Museum

Have you ever wondered what it looks like behind the scenes at a museum? This online exhibit will give you an insiders view.

The objects that you will find in a public museum are owned by everyone. That’s right, you are a part owner of everything you are about to see! Museums keep things and place in public trust, meaning we protect them so that you, your friend, family and future generations can enjoy and learn from them.

Brain Surgery kit.

1950's Christmas lights outside of the box.

One of the largest collections the museum has is of Geiger counters because back in the 50’s, everyone’s hobby was prospecting for uranium.

Some early fire fighting equipment.

A large collection of typewriters.

An old-fashioned, black and white TV.

US military dress hats. The Air Force, the Navy and the Army are represented here.

Baseball card collection and autographed ball.

A mink stole once worn by a very fashionable woman.

Textiles in storage at the Museum of the West. Things like rugs and blankets are rolled and hung to protect the object and save space.

Mano and Metate

School was a little different in the early days. Everyone from Kindergarden to middle school were taught in the same room.

A 1900's porcelain baby doll.

Small animal traps from the 1900's.

1950's children's game.

Memorabilia from the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics.

Military trunks waiting to be added to the collection.

A saddle made in Grand Junction at the turn of the century!

You Can Be A Billionaire game, 1950's.

A 1990's Sony video camera.

Objects in storage at the Museum of the West.

1990's Paleontologist Barbie.

Lanterns

Museum of the West collections space.

Samples of uranium ore.

A coal miners helmet.

The Mud Wagon

Items waiting to be accessioned into the collection.

A banjo.

Military jackets.

1950's Christmas lights inside the box.

Ether was a gas used as an anesthesia for surgery.

You can find some dangerous things in museums.

A baby's scooter from the 1970's.

Cast bronze animal and dinosaur figures.

Historic clothing.

A spanish helmet known as a morion.

The Floradora Girls were a traveling act that performed in Grand Junction.

Shoes

A peach covered in cloves.

1900's Porcelain doll.

This plane was used in the search for uranium deposits.

Snowshoes

Native American pottery. Each group had their very own style.

A couples matched portraits.

1940-50's Crosley radio.

A cast iron toy train set.

The Ute people are known for their impressive beadwork like you see here on these leather gloves.

Surgical kit.

Grand Junction High School

A bottle of wine that still contains wine!

Historic Antacid!