Although Baltic Germans developed a deeper interest in the history of their homeland during the second half of the 18th century, collecting and preserving items of cultural value and using such items in historical research became a purposeful activity only in the 19th century.
Kuigi juba XVIII sajandi teisel poolel hakati Eestis baltisakslaste poolt tundma sügavamat huvi oma kodumaa ajaloo vastu, muutus kultuuriväärtuste kogumine, säilitamine ja nende kasutamine ajalooliseks uurimiseks sihipäraseks tegevuseks siiski alles XIX sajandil.