Our Collection
The Schingoethe Center is best known for its Native American collection, which spans prehistory to the present. Indigenous cultures from all over North America are represented in the collection with examples from Central and South America as well. The museum also holds a collection of non-Native American art, much of it from local artists. Currently, we have approximately 4,000 pieces in our collection.
In 2020, we began digitizing our permanent collection of pottery, basketry, carvings, sculptures, prints, paintings, dolls, kachinas, and more. Using PastPerfect Online, we are able to make our collection more accessible by making it available to you digitally! More objects will be added to this database over time.
Have corrections, comments, or questions? Please e-mail us at museum@aurora.edu.
Interested in making a donation?
Today, the Schingoethe Center relies almost entirely on the generosity of donors to grow its collections.
As a donor, you may be able to take a tax deduction for all or a portion of the fair market value of your gift. NOTE: The museum does not provide appraisals for any items. However, the museum will provide information on how to find an appropriate appraiser.
We accept Native American artifacts as well as artwork by Native and non-Native artists alike. By donating to the museum you support our mission and ensure that the items will be cared for to benefit present and future generations.
If you are interested in making a donation to the museum, please contact:
Natasha Ritsma
Director
(630) 844-6157
nritsma@aurora.edu