I have found the following helpful in researching artifacts.  However, they
provide more of an intellectual framework rather than a practical how-to
guide.

Jules David Prown's articles "Mind in Matter: An Introduction to Material
Culture Theory and Method" and "The Truth of Material Culture"

Steven Lubar and W. David Kingery's book History from Things: Essays on
Material Culture.  Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1993

Berger, Arthur Asa.  Reading Maatter: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on
Material Culture.  London: Transaction Publishers, 1992.

Mayo, Edith.  American Material Culture: The Shape of Things Around Us.
Bowling Green, Ohio: Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1984

Also, I know this isn't what you are looking for but, Eileen Jahnke
Trestain's book Dating Fabrics: A color Guide 1800-1960 is pretty good.

Rebecca J. Phipps


----- Original Message -----
From: Miner, W <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2000 7:40 AM
Subject: dating historical artifacts


>         For a course on curatorial methods, I'm looking for a book that
> introduces students to techniques for dating historical artifacts.  I've
> searched the literature and the only thing I've come up with are primers
for
> specific areas such as textiles, glass, etc.  (e.g., Clues in the Calico,
a
> guide to dating quilts).  Does anyone know of any title out there that
> provides an overview of clues and methods for dating a broad range of
> historical artifacts?  On a related subject, I'm also looking for a book
> that focuses specifically on methodologies for researching historical
> artifacts.  The best I've come up with in this regard is a frustratingly
> brief chapter on researching social history collections in  Thompson's
> Manual of Curatorship.  Would appreciate hearing what museum studies
> programs use for teaching this aspect of curatorial work.
>
>         Thanks
>
>         Curt Miner
>         The State Museum of Pennsylvania
>         [log in to unmask]
>
> =========================================================
> 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).

=========================================================
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).