National Fish Hatchery Museum exhibit renovation

The Von Bayer Museum of Fish Culture was created to preserve the vibrant history and rich heritage of the American fisheries workers. The US Fish and Wildlife Service collects and preserves the historic objects from hatcheries throughout the country making them accessible to researchers and the public. In addition to collecting artifacts, interpretation of the history and technology of fish culture will enrich the experience of the greater community. By utilizing the museum collection, we hope to increase the awareness of the various roles and the inestimable value of fish culture and fisheries in everyday life. This includes the contributions of fish culture to the recreational and social well-being of the people of the United States and the world.

The museum facility is made up of the historic 1899 Hatchery Building housing the museum.

The 10,000 square foot Collection Management Facility (CMF) built in 1989 houses the archives.

The CMF includes:

• 5,000 square foot storage area
• conservation lab
• accession and receiving area
• walk-in freezer
• Fish and Wildlife Service Offices

These buildings provide for the use and preservation of the museum collections for future generations to enjoy and study.

The museum collection includes fish management and culture items and equipment, periodicals, publications and personal artifacts. The collection contains over 185,000 items and is the largest collection of fisheries artifacts in the country, some of which are on display in the museum. The museum is open daily during the summer season. 

The collection management facility is open only by appointment.