Bishop Whipple Collection

Episcopalian missionary Henry Whipple moved to Minnesota in 1859, at a time when many European settlers were moving into the newly formed state. This influx of new arrivals resulted in great changes for the region's American Indian people—loss of homelands through treaties and attempts to extinguish cultural and religious practices.

Whipple dedicated his life to defending and supporting American Indian people. But like most reformers of his time, he mistakenly believed that Indians had to adopt European customs in order to survive. Although he had genuine respect for American Indians and their culture, he was nonetheless committed to converting them to his own Christian faith.

Bishop Whipple and his family collected hundreds of American Indian-made objects, some as gifts, others as purchases. The objects in the Bishop Whipple collection exemplify Whipple's interest in and influence on Indian culture. The Science Museum of Minnesota has cared for the Bishop Whipple collection, which is owned by Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Faribault, for 30 years.

The collection consists of 191 pieces of American Indian objects, mainly from local Dakota and Ojibwe tribes but also from other tribes across North America. It includes beaded bandolier bags, elaborate porcupine quillwork clothing, and pieces relating to the Episcopalian church, such as beaded crosses and alter cloths.

Another Bishop Whipple collection numbering roughly 300 objects is housed at the Minnesota Historical Society.

Selected Artifacts from the Collection