Object Analysis Worksheet: Learning From Artifacts At Mystic Seaport

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Learning From Artifacts at Mystic Seaport

How to Read an Object

You are a history detective today! You will be examining a primary source in the

form of an artifact. Look at your artifact and fill out this worksheet.

Properties of the Object

Observations

What was it used for?

Function /Purpose

Did it have more than one function?

What do you think its texture, smell, sound and

Physical Features

shape are like?

Is it complete?

Has it been altered or mended?

What was it made of?

Materials

How many different kinds of materials is it

made of?

Who made it? How was it made?

Construction

Does it have parts?

What does it tell you about the maker’s technical

skills?

When was it made? Where was it made?

Context and History

Who made it?

What would you call this object?

What else would have been helpful to complete your

investigation?

This worksheet is adapted from the US National Park Service, Museum Management Program from the Hands on History Program, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Wash-

ington DC; Museum Magnet Schools, Education Resources; English Heritage, A Teacher’s Guide to Learning from Objects; and the Victoria and Albert Museum education materials, London, England.