Research

I study objects, interiors, and architecture to understand people and culture. My specialty is the material culture of America(s) in the long eighteenth century (1670-1830) but I write largely about the meaning of objects and the history of consumerism.

I have had a long journey through historical archaeology, ceramic research, architectural fieldwork, and early American history to end up teaching just those ideas—decorative arts and material culture in the Art History department. As the Stanley and Polly Stone (Chipstone) Professor, my courses often feature ceramics, furniture and other household objects and through them, the study of culture. Other courses examine material culture method and theory, material evidence of race and ethnicity, and museum practices.