HIST 4016: History of Material Life : Artifacts in American History
Library Research
Welcome to the Libraries' Class Guide for HIST 4016, History of Material Culture : Artifacts in American History. This guide includes information resources to help you find books, journal articles, primary documents, and how to cite your sources in your paper.
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Subject Encyclopedias
Material Culture in America : Understanding Everyday LifeCall Number: GN 560 .U6 M37 2008 (General Stacks)
Use subject encyclopedias, such as the one listed below, to help you get the "big picture" on your topic.
Revolutionary Invention
Because it was affordable and had replaceable parts, the Singer treadle sewing machine was commonly found in homes all over the U.S. by the late 1800s. Even though I never learned to sew, I purchased a beautiful Singer manufactured in 1917 so I could own this significant piece of American material culture.
(Attributed to Vincent de Groot, 2006; Wikimedia Commons)
Two Useful Books
Material Culture Studies in America edited by Thomas J. Schlereth. Call Number: E 169.1 .M416 1982. Located in the Archives & Regional History Collection on East Campus.
Take a look at Edith Mayo's American Material Culture: The Shape of Things Around Us (call number: E 161 .S39 1984). It is a book of essays on topics such as mourning objects in 19th century America, furniture, food in southern culture, campaign items, and toys, just to name a few.
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