I've been engaged in some reading recently that has led me to the academic
discipline of 'experimental archaeology.'  Specifically, Thomas J. Schlereth
when discussing current research trends in American material culture
scholarship; he classifies it as a Functionalist disciplinary perspective.
I have also seen it in one other citation which is not at hand as I write.

I am intrigued by this term since I feel it can describe much of what we do
in living history museums, reenactments, and even in some craft
demonstrations.  I believe it is what I do when I restore, operate, and
maintain historic railroad equipment, for I am asking the mute objects to
speak to me and tell me more about what life was like in the times they were
used daily.

Anyway, I'm looking for more information on Experimental Archaeology.  Does
anyone know of additional references, journals, etc. that would address this
issue in the gambit from the more theoretical to the practical?

Please feel free to respond either personally or on the list.

Thanks,

jwl
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John W. Lightner                                  [log in to unmask]
Doctoral Student-Educational Psychology           Phone: 517-483-1677
College of Education                              Fax: 517-483-9781
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

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