Objects in our collection are defined by certain criteria, summed up simply
"Is the artifact relevant to Tompkins County History."  If the objects do
not fit into that criteria they are not considered artifacts in the
collection, and are either deaccessioned or transferred to the education
collection.

As far as meaning of a prop, I think of a prop in an exhibit as an object
which maybe a reproduction or an original that a visitor may touch our
manipulate within an exhibit's setting to better understand the message of
the exhibit.

Perhaps to help clear up the comfusion, would it be possible or suitable for
the props used in the outsourced exhibits be replaced with actual artifacts
from the collection?

Shannon

from generation to generation
The History Center in Tompkins County
Shannon Lindridge, Collections Manager
401 East State Street, Suite 100, Ithaca, NY 14850
607.273.8284 ext.7 (FAX) 607.273.6107
www.TheHistoryCenter.net <http://www.thehistorycenter.net/>
Please note my new email address: [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>



-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Wanda Edwards
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 2:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Artifacts vs. Props


There seems to be some confusion in our institution about the difference
between an artifact and a prop, especially when thy are used in exhibits.
I've tried to explain the difference, but not always with success.  I think
part of the problem stems from the company that designed and built some of
the  permanent  exhibits in new building.  Sometimes they went to flea
markets and junk stores and bought "old stuff" to incorporate into their
designs. Of course, that "old stuff"  tends to look like some of the
artifacts from our collection that are also on display.  Does anyone have
clear, simple definitions that I can share with our staff?

Thanks for your help.  This list is always a great source of information.

Wanda Edwards
Curator of Collections, Library and Archives
Orange County Regional History Center
65 East Central Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32801
Tel: 407.836.8587 Fax: 407.836.8550
www.thehistorycenter.org
Explore. Connect. Imagine. Reflect.

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