Material Culture in the College Classroom?

[lindsey]

I am a museum person who will be teaching her first community college history course this fall! (US History to 1877)

Since I am material culture-inclined, I definitely want to incorporate artifacts and interpretation into my curriculum (since that's what drew me to history, perhaps I can inspire others?) Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone out there has been in my position and if so, what sort of museum-y or material-culture-y assignments have you assigned?

Thanks in advance!
Lindsey
Exhibitsmith

[BenjaminLClark]

I say go for it! People love stuff. Especially if they can touch it.

The "Then and Now" game is great with adults and kids. Show them an object, explore the object and discuss it's uses "back then", and then discuss what objects do the same job today, if the "job" is still done at all! If it's something we no longer do, or do for ourselves, that can be discussed as well. I generally find social history and material culture to be very good friends.

[lindsey]

Thanks so much for the great idea!