after a short induction to the work, she'll be joining conversation by mhs's own sarah, georgie. useful objects examines the history of american museums during the 19th century through the eyes of visitors or writers and collectors museums of this period held a wide range of objects from botanical and zoological specimens to antiquarian artifacts and technological models. they were intended to promote useful knowledge these collections generated broader discussions about how objects were selected preserved in classified as well as who is to decide their value. these reflections shaped broader debate about the scope and purpose of museums in american culture. they continue to resonate today. ms. gotchburn is the assistant director is the assistant director of studies in an election on history and literature at harvard university. she's taught seminars in tutorials on museums in america museums and material culture and science exploration and empire. a research and teaching focus on 19th century american literature and culture with particular interest in material. culture museum st