Material Matters, the Smithsonian Material Culture Forum’s newsletter, is back. Previously called The Grapevine, the publication was renamed Material Matters in September 2001, reflecting its evolution from an informal newsletter to a more substantive bulletin. Issues typically include a summary of the papers presented at the most recent meeting, an announcement of the next meeting, and articles focusing on exhibitions and research, or other matters of current concern to Smithsonian scholars. Possible articles are discussed and solicited at the Steering Committee meetings and are also initiated by the editor of the publication. Material Matters thus serves as an important channel of communication at the Smithsonian for new ideas and programmatic initiatives.
The Forum historically issued their newsletter four times a year, distributing hard copies to over 300 Smithsonian staff as well as to various scholarly colleagues in the Washington, D.C. community. Now, the newsletter will take on a more modern form. The Material Culture Forum will be placing all future editions of Material Matters online, a decision that is not only environmentally friendly but also allows for more convenient and widespread access.
We hope you enjoy the newest incarnation of Material Matters’. Please check back often as we update the site, publish new issues, and add previous issues to our archive.
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