The University’s museum collections come from many parts of the world and are of many ages. For generations, the University has been collecting, organising and displaying these collections, and the institution is itself part of the history of the Northeast and the wider world. As a place where people are encouraged to encounter the variety of human experiences with respect and understanding, the University provides a caring home for the collections. The University holds its collections in trust for past and future generations, with ongoing responsibilities associated with the items themselves and the express and implied wishes of the many collectors and donors. It has a duty to care for the collections and to encourage access and understanding to as many people as possible. The University’s museums and collections are internationally renowned and the entire collection was awarded the status of a Recognised Collection of National Significance in 2007.

Regions Included in North American Collections

Collection Highlights

Comprising over 1000 items, the collection consists of collections put together by graduates of the University of Aberdeen in the later 19th and earlier 20th centuries. There are particular strengths from across the Arctic, including a Greenlandic kayak found near Aberdeen c1700 and another dating to c1800. Larger collections include that given by John Livingston who lived in Canada 1913-1941 and Sir William MacGregor, who was governor of Newfoundland 1888-1909. A small collection from the Pacific Northwest was given in the mid 19th century by Captain William Mitchell of the Hudson's Bay Company. Also significant is a small collection of weaving/beadwork from the Southeast collected in the 1760s, while an archaeological collection from Mexico was assembled by Dr. John MacPherson in the early 20th century. Other collections are small, but include material from across most of North America. 

The museum is also responsible for the care of ancestral remains formerly held by the University's Anatomy Museum, and is happy to discuss their future care with appropriate people.

Questions and Inquiries

For all inquiries, contact museum@abdn.ac.uk

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