OUR STORY
The Material Culture Collective is a network of scholars, museum professionals, and researchers dedicated to exploring the role of objects in shaping history, identity, and everyday life. We bring together voices from diverse disciplines—including history, archaeology, anthropology, folklore, cultural geography, and museum studies—to advance material culture scholarship and practice.
Our Approach
We believe that objects are more than just artifacts—they are storytellers, cultural signifiers, and windows into the past and present. Our approach to material culture studies is interdisciplinary, hands-on, and context-driven—fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to public engagement.
We foster an interdisciplinary approach to material culture studies, encouraging scholars from history, archaeology, anthropology, folklore, and museum studies to exchange ideas, develop joint research projects, and explore innovative methodologies for analyzing objects and their cultural significance.
Conferences, roundtables, and hands-on workshops that bring together researchers and practitioners to share expertise, present case studies, and discuss emerging trends in material culture. These events provide opportunities for learning, mentorship, and meaningful discussions.
We curate and share essential readings, research papers, and case studies related to material culture. Members also have opportunities to contribute to collaborative publications, including journal special issues, edited volumes, and online repositories that document and advance the field.
A platform for scholars, students, and museum professionals to connect, collaborate, and support one another’s work. Whether through in-person events or virtual discussions, we aim to strengthen the material culture community across the Atlantic region and beyond.
Shape the Future of Material Culture
Become an active member of a vibrant network dedicated to exploring the intersections of objects, history, and identity.
Share your findings and insights to enrich the collective knowledge and foster meaningful dialogue within the community.
Attend conferences, participate in roundtables, and get involved in hands-on workshops that delve deeper into material culture.
Objects hold stories—sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden. This series invites you to look closely, speculate, and share your observations before the archival record reveals the full story. Each month, we feature a new object and ask you to gather around it with us: notice the materials, construction, signs of use, and anything that sparks curiosity.
MONTHLY FEATURE
