By examining man-made objects, structures, and landscapes we can gain additional insight into an era’s social and cultural history that documents might not address. Asking questions of artifacts such as furniture, tools, or clothing can uncover clues and answers about how people lived. Used in conjunction with standard documentary research, a much richer understanding about the social and cultural dynamics of a community come to life.

Here are some examples of questions asked of objects:
• Why was a certain furniture style popular, and where did it originate?
• What wood or metal is an item made of and why was it chosen?
• What did a women’s clothing style say about her?
• How did someone use a certain blacksmithing tool?
• What kitchen tools did a women use to cook different foods over an open fireplace?
• Why did a community prefer a certain type of architecture?
• What were the traditions and beliefs of New England’s Puritans to explain their gruesome headstones?
• How were southern slave quarters typically built and why?