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Beyond the Label: Material Dynamism in an Age of Revolution.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Beyond the Label: Material Dynamism in an Age of Revolution.
Authors:	White, Ashli (AUTHOR)
Source:	American Historical Review. Jun2026, Vol. 131 Issue 2, p838-852. 15p.
Subjects:	Museum labels, American Revolutionary War, 1775-1783, Museum exhibits, Museum techniques, Material culture, Antiquities, Cultural property, Archaeological significance
Abstract:	The article focuses on how museum labels provide only a brief summary of an object's history, often making it seem important only because of a specific person, place, or event while leaving out its longer and more complex story. The author argues that labels are just a starting point, and that scholars must use material culture studies to explore how objects change in meaning and significance over time, highlighting objects that pertain to the American Revolutionary War.
Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	The article focuses on how museum labels provide only a brief summary of an object's history, often making it seem important only because of a specific person, place, or event while leaving out its longer and more complex story. The author argues that labels are just a starting point, and that scholars must use material culture studies to explore how objects change in meaning and significance over time, highlighting objects that pertain to the American Revolutionary War.
ISSN:	00028762
DOI:	10.1093/ahr/rhag102