Welcome to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, USA

WHAT IS “MATERIAL CULTURE”?

The material means by which humans adapt to the world

The “object” part of culture, the tangible possessions of a culture

Any material item that has had cultural meaning ascribed to it- past and present

What do you treasure? Is it something that you own or may have had for a long time? Is it a person (like your grand daughter) or an object (like your favorite tool or utensil)? What is the story of what you treasure and why is it so valuable to you? Did you make it or did an ancestor make it or collect it?

Whatever it is, it is a special object that is a symbol of YOU and says something about you. It’s a part of your life story. It does not matter whether it is new or old. Whether you made it or bought it or someone else did and gave it to you. It might not be worth anything to anyone else. All that matters is that it worth a lot to you. Examples from previous projects include family heirlooms, electronic gear such as cell phones, computers and ipods, vehicles like cars, bikes, tractors and motorcycles, tools like a comb, mixing spoon, hammer or sawzall, garments, jewelry, people, toys, books, their own hair, a dance move, a story, a trophy, a photograph, etc.

Everyone is welcome to participate. A child can bring her favorite toy, for example. Any size, shape or configuration from anyone is welcome.

Please share your treasure with me. I will take a picture of it, measure it and carefully write down the full story you tell about it. Then you take it back home for safe-keeping. I will catalog all the items brought in and create a database that will become a time capsule. I will make a drawing of your object, display it and give it to you when the project is completed. Your treasure will join other peoples and will form a very accurate and personal snapshot of the material culture of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin in the summer of 2008. You can choose to remain anonymous or not, its up to you.