Dear Wanda, 

One way I like to explain the difference between a prop and an artifact is
by using the metaphor of the story.  An artifact is an object supported by a
compelling story; a prop is an object disconnected from its story.   Thus
the old table that belonged to a local family, complete with photos of
family parties sitting around it and an approximate date, is an artifact.
An old table that a board member bought at a garage sale last March is a
prop. But a table designed and commissioned by a prominent architect tells
the story of design, even if it was bought at a garage sale.

Ideally, you should be able to sum up the story in a few words, and those
words should include "This thing...." not "things exactly like this...." A
copy of Mao's little red book bought from the Black Panthers is an artifact,
but without that hint of story, an absolutely identical little red book,
published in the same place in the same year, is a prop and should not be
accessioned. (Can you tell I've said that a dozen times before?)

I hope this helps!

Katie Wadell
Berkeley Historical Society

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).