This project draws upon material culture, digital humanities, and archival theory
and method in the service of public history investigations. After selecting an artifact and
performing object analysis, I will digitize the artifact and materialize a new object. I will
then perform another object analysis on the 3D printed object. This exercise will provide
the familiar benefits of object analysis, but the decisions and interactions necessary to
digitize and materialize the object provide a fresh perspective. I will propose approaches
for performing similar investigations in repositories, along with a pedagogical argument
for doing so. By emphasizing modularity, flexibility, and minimal capital requirements, I
hope these approaches can be adapted to a variety of institutions and audiences.
Researchers will reap the benefits of intellectual and emotional engagement, hands-on
learning, and technological experimentation. Public historians will have the opportunity
to engage in outreach and innovative education and exploration of their collections.