HST-332 The Secret History of American Objects
This course explores American material culture through the study of individual objects. We encounter key concepts, topics, and issues in American history, historic preservation, archival practices, conservation, and public history by examining the physical artifacts of American life: buildings, household goods, textiles and clothing, decorative arts/furniture, works of art, tools, and other implements. We consider which objects have become emblematic of pivotal moments in American history and how material culture helps historians recover the stories and experiences of underrepresented people—particularly those whose lives are poorly documented in traditional written archives.