Smoke and fire forgery : a theory and practice of living history museums, 2013

Item — Call Number: MU Thesis Mul

Identifier: b5596233

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection consists of theses written by students enrolled in the Monmouth University graduate Anthropology program. The holdings are primarily bound print documents that were submitted in partial fulfillment of university requirements for the Master of Arts degree.

From the Collection:

During the fall 2022 semester (in instances where the requisite waivers were received from consenting student authors), the Monmouth University Library, together with the University's Graduate School and Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences, began providing open access to select full-text digital versions of current theses and dissertations through links to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global website in the Library's Online Public Access Catalog. Links to these open access digital publications can also be found in the "External Documents" section under any conforming titles that are listed among the holdings itemized in the collection inventory for this finding aid.

Dates

Creation: 2013

Creator

Muller, Katherine A. (Katherine Ambry Linhein) (1990- ) (Author, Person)
González-Tennant, Edward (Thesis advisor, Person)
Veit, Richard F. (1968- ) (Thesis advisor, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Access is by appointment only.

Access to the collection is confined to the Monmouth University Library and is subject to patron policies approved by the Monmouth University Library.

Collection holdings may not be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

Research appointments are scheduled by the Monmouth University Library Archives Collections Manager (723-923-4526). A minimum of three days advance notice is required to arrange a research appointment for access to the collection.

Patrons must complete a Researcher Registration Form and provide appropriate identification to gain access to the collection holdings. Copies of these documents will be kept on file at the Monmouth University Library.

Extent

1 Items (print book) : 136 pages ; 8.5 x 11.0 inches (28 cm).

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

History as a field of study and education often appears infallible and authoritative. However, history is simply one account of the past supported through repetition. Museum institutions draw upon the idea of an unquestionable account of the past when crafting and presenting their interpretations. These interpretations of the past are drawn from historic and archaeological sources. In the process, certain reports of the past leave out events and specific groups of people. The public, when they approach historical displays, do so with a set of preconceived notions which draw upon sources such as television, the internet and folklore. These expectations can be at odds with the interpretation developed by the museum. At a living history museum, the public and the museum are able to directly interact and thus address both groups' expectations regarding the past. One of the most popular displays to have at a living history museum is a blacksmith shop. Notwithstanding, there is very little academic writing dedicated to the trade of the blacksmith. As a gap in history, the blacksmith shop is well positioned for use as a case study to examine how history is formed and presented to and consumed by the public at a museum.

Partial Contents

Acknowledgements -- List of figures -- Abstract -- 1. By the hammer and hand all arts do stand -- 2. The perception of authenticity -- 3. The museum's interpretation: the history and archaeology of the iron industry -- 4. Crafting magic and creating metal: the public's perception of blacksmithing -- 5. Living history: trial and error by fire -- 6. Critical analysis -- 7. Conclusions -- Appendix A. Blacksmithing dictionary -- Appendix B. Institutional Review Board application -- Appendix C. Amended survey and results -- List of references -- Biographical sketch.