Though the museum's Curatorial collection is vast, our exhibit space is limited.
Artifacts rotate in and out of storage as new exhibits open and close.
Some objects are not exhibited at all, though they still serve a useful purpose. Scholars and researchers may examine many objects of a specific type to see how they differed and evolved over time. For example, someone interested in sailor's valentines would find some of Mystic Seaport's examples in poor condition, though useful for study. Other objects though in poor condition are preserved for their connection to specific individuals or organizations. If you have a specific interest in objects in storage, you can arrange with the conservation staff to see them.