We tend to keep a pretty firm distinction between "artifacts" and "living
history" items. The latter constitute the "props" used in our programs and, in
some cases, our exhibitions.

Artifacts are deliberately collected, pursuant to our mandates for collection
and conservation. They become part of the permanent collection and are recorded
in detail, through CHIN's (the Canadian Heritage Information Network) database.
We are currently making a series of digital images of each artifact and have a
multimillion dollar, longterm project to put the images and the associated data
into a database that will be widely accessable to users outside the museum, via
the Internet. The one exception to this is the archeaeological artifact; the
architecture of the CHIN database was never intended to address the large
number of tiny objects (often forming parts of a whole) that characterize many
archaeological artifacts, so we tend to enter data as an archaeological site,
rather than as individual objects.

Living history objects might be replicas, or real objects. For example, an
arrowhead that an enthusiastic boy scout has found and has sent us would likely
fall into this category, as the object would likely have little or no
archaeological significance. As they are deemed to be expendable, living
history objects do not get the full CHIN treatment; we record only enough
information so as to be able to find them when we need them. In some cases they
are donated, in others, purchased. Staff at Canadian embassies and consulates
abroad send us a steady stream of living history material, particularly for the
Children's Museum.

Can artifacts become living history objects? It is highly unlikely and it is
equally unlikely that a living history item would become an artifact. The
latter are acquired as props for exhibitions or programs and, when they have
outlived their usefulness or livespan, they are discarded.

An example is a perfectly ghastly reproduction of an Edwardian (I think!)
display stand for postcards. It stands about 5' tall, is made of carved
mahogany and holds a large number of cards. It is one of the most repulsive
bits of furniture I've ever seen! The original, on which it was patterned, is
in an exhibition on Canadian souvenirs through the decades.  Visitors are
encouraged to tell us about their favourite souvenirs on a postcard and insert
the card into a vacant space on the replica, which is located at one end of the
exhibition, where most visitors exit. When the exhibition closes, we'll draw a
name from all the cards contributed and the winner gets the replica for
his(her) very own! No, the runner-up does NOT get two of them! At least, we'll
have disposed of ONE of the beasts!

Harry Needham
Canadian Museum of Civilization