I remember seeing great artifacts/props at the Abraham Lincoln Museum in
Fort Wayne, IN. All were well protected behind vitrines, in secure cases
with excellent lighting. When I read label copy for a prop it would say
"Abraham Lincoln used a double headed axe LIKE THIS to split fence rails"
After that, I began to read all of the labels to see what was a true Lincoln
artifact and what was a prop.
--
John W. Kelton
Environmental Designer
and Interpretive Planner
256.881.3682 ph | 256.880.3682 fx
> 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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