NSS Museum of Cave Exploration

The NSS Museum is a collection of artifacts related to the NSS, caving and speleology that illustrate the history of the NSS and the development of caving and speleology in the United States. The Museum has a database that records information about the artifacts and is searchable so that items related to a particular cave, person or event can be easily found. The Museum displays artifacts with interpretive information that can be viewed at the Museum location in Huntsville. Displays and information about the collection are available on the NSS website.

Virtual Exhibits
NSS Museum

Visiting the Museum

archivist@caves.org

Location

National Speleological Society

6001 Pulaski Pike
Huntsville, AL  35810-1122 USA
(256) 852-1300

Group Visits

Group tours are available. Please call or email with information about the group and your desired date

Hours

The NSS Museum is staffed by volunteers and currently open by appointment only. Please call or email to make an appointment. Admission is free of charge.

Virtual Exhibits

See ALl Virtual Exhibits

Collections

Some of the categories of material in the Museum collection are described below.

Caving Gear

  • Helmets
  • Lighting devices
  • Clothing
  • Rappelling devices
  • Climbing devices

Memorabilia

  • NSS patches, T-shirts, posters, mugs etc.
  • Grotto patches, T-shirts etc.
  • Caving event T-shirts, pins etc.

Artwork depicting caves or cavers

Artifacts

The Museum has artifacts that belonged to famous cavers, were used in significant cave exploration or illustrate the history of the Society.  We also have artifacts that were used in scientific investigations in caves.  We have many unique, one-of-a-kind items and prototypes and examples of caving gear from the early days to modern times.

Support the NSS Museum

The NSS Museum is run and operated by volunteers and we are always in need of people who can help document and catalog our artifacts and prepare exhibits.  If you are able to visit us in Huntsville, Alabama and would like to help out please email archivist@caves.org and let us know when you plan to visit.

Do you have material that you would like to donate to the Museum?  We are interested in items that belonged to well known cavers, gear used in significant explorations/expeditions, unusual or unique caving items and other caving memorabilia.  Please email or call us before you send any items so we can talk about what material you have and whether it would be a good fit for the Museum.

The Museum has expenses for documenting and storing artifacts and for preparing exhibits.  Financial contributions from donors help us continue the mission of the Museum and plan for future needs.  Contributions to the Library/Museum Fund can be made on the caves.org Donation page.