Collectors here is your opportunity to advise a museum what you would like to see with-in that museum on trap collecting.
Do you want the traps separated by style exp. footholds, coni-bear, live
traps? or by the animal that they would capture or manuf.? what about paper items. magazines like f-f-g and h-t-t hard copies or should they be scanned and put on a disc. Lure bottles, fur shipping tags, advertising, what else am I missing?

Thanks for all of your help!!

pick65

What is the museum's purpose in having a trap exhibit? Usually they plan exhibits around a theme or an event or an anniversary of an event.

Wissmiss:
First of all this museum is not built yet, and
it is being built by trappers for use by trappers
and the general public.
The intent is not only to preserve traps and trapping memobilia
for future trappers, but also to educate the general public
about our history and how we (trappers and trapping) has
changed over the years.

pick65

sounds very neat pick65. good luck and hope all goes well with it.

Thanks for the explanation. Sounds like a great project.

I guess I would go with a time line. Hand forged to first mass produced to the common traps of the 50s, 60s, 70s and finish up with today's traps - laminated jaws, swiveled chains, all the features that make the traps more "critter friendly".

Separate section for lures and baits and explain how they are made and used.

Representative paper goods could be another section to show fur prices, etc.

Gonna take a lot of work and money to make it happen, but it will be cool when it is finished.

Any idea on where the location will be?

Have you been to Tom Parr's place in Galloway, Ohio. He has a massive collection of traps and related items. Might give you some good idea.

wissmiss:
Location will be in PA.
I have not seen Tom Parr's collection, in fact I have another trapper looking at Tom's museum in the near future to pick up any ideas that
we maybe able to use.

Thanks for the ideas!!

pick65

I think a trap museum in Pa. is a great idea. Pa. is at or near the top of states for trap manufacturing over the years. Richard Gerstell was a resident of Pa. It would be nice if his complete collection could be displayed in his home state. From what I understand the Pa. historical society has the bulk of the collection [that they do not display], and Tom Parr has 150 traps on loan.