The publication Museum Registration Methods (MRM) is considered the “Bible” for collections management in the museums. This five hundred page tome covers everything related to the documentation and care of artifacts as well as how museums develop their collections and make them available to the public.

Several sections of the book focus on a Collections Management Manual. Each museum has a series of policy and procedural documents that make up its unique manual, including a Scope of Collections. This particular document establishes a plan for what artifacts would best serve the museum’s mission, outlining specifically what the museum does and does not collect. Due to its’ specific historical focus and time period of significance, many visitors to the Harlan-Lincoln House don’t realize that our museum still actively collects artifacts.

The Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House Executive Committee review potential artifacts monthly and decide on the appropriateness of said artifact donations for the museum’s collection. The Scope of Collections document helps with difficult decisions, ensuring that the museum’s mission is at the center of all discussions. It reads,

1. The scope of the Harlan-Lincoln House collection shall consist of artifacts:
2. Related to the lives of United States Senator James Harlan and his family; including his wife Ann Eliza Peck Harlan, children Mary Harlan Lincoln, Silas, William, and Julia, his grandchildren Mary (Mamie), Abraham Lincoln II (Jack), and Jessie, and his great grandchildren, Mary (Peggy) Lincoln Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith. Additional consideration will be made for artifacts from the larger Peck family and Beckwith family as they relate to the museum’s mission.
3. Related to Senator James Harlan’s political career, his activities in Iowa and in the local community, and his private life.
4. Related to the lives of United States President Abraham Lincoln and his family, particularly his son Robert Todd Lincoln, who married Mary Harlan. The emphasis on Abraham Lincoln shall be his family life and his connection to James Harlan, rather than his political career.
   Related to the James Harlan and Robert Todd Lincoln families’ connection to Iowa Wesleyan University and the Mount Pleasant Community; with emphasis on the time period of 1853-1899 for the James Harlan family and 1868-1907 for the Robert Todd Lincoln family.
5. Owned by the Harlan and/or Lincoln families.
6. Furnishing or items of the general time period, 1840 to 1907, which enhance the interpretation of the structure; with emphasis on authentic items, not reproductions.

Historical artifacts are powerful, tangible connections to the past that help us interpret the stories of the Harlan-Lincoln House to the public. By only accessioning artifacts into the museum’s collection which fit within the aforementioned scope, we ensure that the Harlan-Lincoln House’s mission moves forward.

On behalf of the Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House and Iowa Wesleyan University, thank you for your continued support. If you know of a potential artifact for the museum’s consideration based on our Scope of Collections, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Anna Villareal, Director of the Harlan-Lincoln House

Our Front Porch

The 2020 facilities plan for the Harlan-Lincoln House museum included maintenance work to stabilize porch posts, adding a non-slip sealant to the porch floorboards, and refreshing the entire structure’s iconic yellow paint. But, the events of July 19 expedited the necessity for the planned work. That morning, a storm blew through Mount Pleasant, bringing down one of the beautiful maple tree from the west lawn onto the museum, damaging the 1895 reproduction porch.

In order to respond quickly to the damage, the Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House announced the “Our Front Porch” campaign. This campaign seeks to raise $30,000 to repair the storm damage, complete the 2020 facilities projects, replant trees on the museum’s west lawn, and develop new external educational signage. As of November 1, over 66% of the campaign’s goal had been met! Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign so far.

2021 Brown Bag Lecture Series Sneak Peek

The Harlan-Lincoln House is excited to share a Sneak Peek of the 2021 Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House Brown Bag Lecture Series. This year’s lectures include speakers postponed from the 2020 series as well as a new range of engaging Iowa historians. The full Schedule of Events for the March 2021 series will be announced in February. You won’t want to miss a single one! Mark your calendars for 12:00 pm each Tuesday in March.

2020 Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House

Annual memberships in the Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House organization advance the museum’s mission of preserving the house and its collection, interpreting the site to the public for its significance to the Harlan and Lincoln families, reinforcing the relationship to Iowa Wesleyan University, and fulfilling the home’s vital role in the living history of the University and the Mount Pleasant community. Support also allows the Harlan-Lincoln House to provide free admission as well as free educational programs throughout the year.

The Friends of the Harlan-Lincoln House are grateful for the continued support of our dedicated members, especially during the “Our Front Porch” campaign this year. The Honor Roll reflects members between October 2019 and November 2020.