Collecting—What do we Collect from our Travels?

Humans have always been natural collectors, driven by an intrinsic desire to gather and preserve items that hold meaning, beauty, or utility. This instinct may stem from our ancient ancestors who collected essential resources for survival, but today, it manifests in myriad forms—from art and antiques to stamps and sneakers. Collecting taps into our deep desires, like learning new things, feeling in charge, and preserving our memories of our experiences with places or those we have journeyed with. Collecting is not just about having stuff; it’s about grabbing bits of stories, shaping who we are, and enjoying those little finds, like leaves, rocks, or snapshots, that remind us of our adventures.

In talking to Travelers I find we often “collect” different items and some of these things may not even be purchased but created along the way as a way to try and hold onto our experiences. Some common things that come up when talking to Travelers are 

1. Local Artwork: Collecting pieces like paintings, sculptures, or handicrafts from local artists not only supports the regional economy but also brings diverse cultural aesthetics into your home. Each piece tells a story of the place and its people, making your collection a global gallery of your travels. Look in the VINTAGE, SECOND HAND or THRIFT stores or ask, or find out when a LOCAL craftfair is- of course if you have budget- there are the New Hampshire League of Craftsmen Shops which offer very beautiful pieces of ART, Sculpture and paintings… free to browse, but NO photos in the shop! https://nhcrafts.org/
2. Traditional Textiles: Fabrics can vary dramatically from one region to another, offering a tangible piece of local tradition and craftsmanship. From hand woven scarves in Alaska to more simple sweaters in Vermont, textiles are both decorative and functional reminders of the places you’ve visited. ASK– but there are some QUILT shops as you head to WESTON VERMONT- Waterwheel House and you can check out their website here https://www.waterwheelhouse.com/
3. Culinary Collectibles: Bringing home local spices, teas, or even recipes allows you to recreate and relive your travel experiences through taste. This type of collection not only enriches your kitchen but also offers an aromatic snapshot of the places you’ve explored, making each meal a journey of its own.I love collecting things like jars of jams, local maple syrup, and then when I return from my travels they truly take me back to those places! So many of these are dotted thru New England, any roadside stand- pull over, often there is a Maple Syrup truck at the Moss Glen Falls, again the small churches often have pop-up tables in Autumn, Saturdays on the squares, and generally every Country Store has wonderful local goods inside.
4. Bits of Nature: Sometimes we pick up natural souvenirs like rocks, leaves, or shells during our travels and it often feels like a harmless way to preserve memories of a place. However, it may be worth reconsidering this habit due to the potential environmental impact. Removing natural items from their environment can disrupt local ecosystems, contribute to erosion, and deplete resources that native wildlife rely on. Additionally, in many protected areas and national parks, it’s illegal to remove natural artifacts. Instead of collecting physical items, we might consider taking photographs or sketching, allowing us to capture the beauty and essence of these treasures without harming the environment. This approach not only preserves the integrity of natural sites but also promotes a more sustainable form of travel and appreciation for nature. Be mindful if you pick up one leaf, or a small stone, are we on protected property or National Park property?

Photos– Taking photos can be a less- intrusive way to save our memories. Slow down and carefully consider which leaf you will photograph. If you are on a beach maybe look for naturally made prints from the birds, or wait and watch for a wave that makes an interesting pattern. Take a stick and write a word in the sand, or perhaps walk thru the forest and watch for the light hitting a particular tree in such a way. By forcing yourself to slow down and be more choosy on where you take your photos you may find you recall the experience in greater detail.

A Collector on a Grand Scale- Electra Havemeyer Webb, a visionary collector and a preserver of American history, began her unique collection as she witnessed the rapid changes in Vermont during the early 20th century. Disturbed by the disappearing landscapes and traditional ways of life, Webb started to collect not just small items of Americana, but entire buildings that epitomized the vanishing rural spirit. Her passion for preserving these artifacts of American heritage led to the founding of the Shelburne Museum in 1947. This museum is not just a repository of collections but a vibrant tableau of American life, showcasing over 150,000 items housed in 39 buildings, including a steamboat, a lighthouse, and historic homes, effectively capturing the essence of America’s cultural and historical fabric. Electra Webb’s efforts have immortalized an important era, creating a dynamic window into the past that educates and inspires future generations. https://shelburnemuseum.org/

Ultimately, the true essence of travel lies in the experiences we gather, the knowledge we acquire, and the respect we show to the places and people we encounter—making our journeys truly meaningful and our collections genuinely valuable.

What do you collect?