Palace objects that were sold and dispersed at public auction have slowly been recovered from 36 states and 4 foreign countries. Despite the return of many items, the quest to find original Palace furnishings and artifacts continues as many of the original furnishings are still missing.

The public has been instrumental in helping to recover items that were once in the Palace, from porcelain plates returned from Australia to a table found in the Iowa Governor’s mansion to a chair sitting in a local thrift store.

The Curator’s office uses historic photos, newspaper accounts, and a variety of inventory lists to research the history of artifacts. Documentation provided by donors has included an original bill of sale from a Palace auction or a monarchy era letter describing a gift from royalty.

Family legend is much more difficult to verify, but it’s always helpful to trace the history of each artifact with the name of owners. Monarchy era photos of Palace rooms, people and events also provide valuable information about original Palace furnishings.

If you think you may have original furniture, articles, historic photos or any information about the whereabouts of original palace furnishings, please contact the Collections Manager.

View Objects the Palace Seeks to Return Home

Monarchy era photos of Palace rooms, people, and events provide valuable information about original Palace furnishings. The Palace curator's office references many such photos to identify original palace objects or items having a royal connection. If you have a photo that may help with this research, please contact the Collections Manager.

Historic photos may help you identify or begin to ask questions about objects that you have or know about.

View The Palace Historic Photos Collection

Unique markings, patterns or insignia that can be linked to the Palace or to Hawaiian royalty can identify many of the original Palace objects.

Review Samples Of The Various Identifying Marks