Touch exhibits and historical studies?

So, I'm working with people at my school and the New-York Historical
Society to establish a touch exhibit with which the museum staff and
visiting teachers could enrich a study of colonial New Amsterdam / New
York.  I'm curious if anyone has experience with such exhibits or any good
ideas.  Examples: teaching about trade might be enriched if kids had a
beaver pelt to touch.

Any other thoughts?

Please contact me at the following:

Jonathan Spear
New York City Museum School
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