 The majority of the Museum's collections were donated over time, starting as a community repository from the Museum's founding in 1936.Over the past 80 years, the Museum has steadily acquired an extensive and varied collection which, when possible, are integrated into the Museum's public programming.Totaling 6,000 pieces, most pieces speak to the 19th century whaling industry, specifically Long Island whaling, as well as the local history of Cold Spring Harbor and its growth as a maritime port.