In addition to print and written material, the Rubenstein Library holds a variety of objects and artifacts in its collections from furniture and textiles to tools and personal effects. Material culture studies provides an opportunity to engage with and research these physical objects and resources to understand people, past people's relationship to objects, and how people created and reacted to technological, environmental, and economic change.
Blue Devil doll made by Steiff, circa 1954-1963, from the Artifacts and Relics collection, 1830s-ongoing
Female manikin with ivory pillow on wooden couch, 17th or 18th century, from the History of Medicine artifacts collection
Wile E. Coyote Acme T-shirt, 1987, from the Richard Pollay Acme Advertising collection
Virginia Woolf's writing desk, currently on display in the Rubenstein Reading Room.
