The basis of the Museum collections is archaeological materials deposited in the Museum by former associates of Colgate University. The collections are strongest in Northeastern archaeological materials as well as Pre-Columbian sculpture of Mexico and the Andes. The Longyear Museum typically mounts four or more exhibitions each academic year. The exhibitions draw upon the Longyear's own collections, as well as loans from museum, gallery and private collections. In particular, the Longyear attempts to exhibit, on a regular basis, the traditional and contemporary arts of the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois people who are indigenous to this area.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Closed for school holidays. The principal Longyear Museum staff are Gary Urton , the Curator of Collections and Carol Ann Lorenz , the Curator of Exhibitions. These positions are voluntary or nearly so. Additional staff includes Holly Safi, a part-time assistant, and several regular student assistants. Opportunities for Colgate Students Students have opportunities to become involved in Longyear Museum activities in various ways.