Research
Explore our Collections
The Bakken’s Collections are a rich resource for exploring efforts to understand the human body, health, and wellness throughout history. With 11,000 books, 2,500 artifacts, and 1,000 pieces of art and ephemera, there is something to catch anyone’s curiosity on topics from electricity in literature to fascinating fringe science!
“Beautiful building and property, including a courtyard garden, make it a delight to visit. The new exhibits are wonderful, imaginative and engaging.”
– Visitor Review
EXPLORE THE COLLECTION IN PERSON
RESEARCH
The Bakken’s collections are freely accessible to everyone, whether you are down the road or around the world. We ask that you make an appointment so we can prepare for your visit. To make the most of your visit, please explore our digital collections below to plan what you’d like to see in person. For questions about art, please contact us directly.
Reading Room Hours | Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SCHOOL GROUP VISIT
Teaching a college course on museums or the history of science? Ask us how you can take your students behind the scenes in the collections.
OUTREACH PRESENTATIONS
Enrich your conference or symposium with curated displays and presentations using The Bakken’s renowned collections.
EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS ONLINE
The Bakken Museum Library
The book collection includes both rare books and scholarly texts dating back to the 12th century. It provides a deep dive into the history of science and medicine, including anatomical treatises, botanicals, physics and chemistry books, and other texts.
Artifact Collection
The instrument collection compromises artifacts from the 18th century to the present. It includes electrostatic machines, medical stimulators, electro-therapeutic instruments, as well as fringe science devices.
Ephemera collection
The ephemera collection consists of medical and electro-medical ephemera from the 19th and 20th centuries. The manuals, advertisements, technical literature, and correspondence give context to instruments and devices.
Earl Bakken Legacy Collection
This collection includes an eclectic array of materials covering the span of Earl Bakken’s life’s works and legacies. It is a testament to a life of curiosity and connection.
From the Vault
Check out featured treasures from The Bakken Museum vault and learn some fun facts to share with your friends.
Support Research & COllections
The Bakken Museum’s collection gives us access to the past. These artifacts connect us with the culture and technology of the time when they were made. Our curatorial staff carefully preserve our charismatic collections to the benefit of the public today, and into the future.
Donations to The Bakken Museum support the ongoing preservation of our collections.
