From the late 19th century, the archaeological collection at the Šilokarčema (Šilutė) manor was curated by the manor owner's son, Erich Šojus. His acquaintance with his father's friend, Professor Adalbert Bezzenberger of the University of Königsberg, sparked his interest in archaeology and archaeological research in the Klaipėda region. Initially, Erich Šojus participated in archaeological expeditions as the professor's assistant, but later, it is believed, he conducted independent research up until World War I.

Didžioji dalis radinių, patekę į privatų H. Šojaus muziejų, buvo iš E. Šojaus individualiai arba kartu su A. Becenbergeriu tyrinėtų archeologijos objektų. Kita dalis artefaktų rasti atsitiktinai arba įsigyti iš privačių asmenų.

Currently, the archaeological exhibition features artifacts representing various prehistoric periods from the northern part of East Prussia. These include a human skull fragment dated to the Late Neolithic period, Roman coins from the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, as well as iron weapons, household tools, and bronze jewelry used during the Middle to Late Iron Age.

The collection of stone and flint axes is one of the most valuable groups of archaeological finds gathered by Erich Šojus, both due to their antiquity and the labels, presumably written by Šojus himself, that have been preserved on most of the artifacts.