Material Culture Explained: How Objects Tell Hidden Histories with Laura Smith

Historian Laura Smith joins Holley to explore the power of material culture and how objects help us better understand the past. Together, they discuss how everyday items can reveal complex and often overlooked histories, why physical artifacts create deeper human connection than written sources alone, and how museums use objects to spark conversation and reflection. Laura also shares insights from her work at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House and reflects on how learning to “read” objects can change the way we see history and the world around us. Laura Smith Biography Laura Smith is a public historian whose work is focused on material culture as a way to encourage observation, conversation, and connection. A Utah native now based in Northern Virginia, Laura serves as the Program and Collections Assistant at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House. Beyond her museum work, Laura dedicates her time as the Vice Chair of the Manassas Historic Resources Board and contributes to the field through independent writing.  Books Mentioned: History Through Material Culture by Leonie Hannan and Sarah Longair Paperback (https://bookshop.org/a/117961/9781784...) Connect with Laura: Instagram (  / thecabinetofcuriosity1  )  | LinkedIn (  / laura-e-smith1  )  | Substack (https://lauraesmith2.substack.com/?ut...) Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House: Website (https://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org/) Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee (https://buymeacoffee.com/sayitwithhis...)  | Website (https://www.holleysnaith.com/)  | LinkedIn (  / holleysnaith  )   Newsletter: Stay Connected with Holley (https://holley-snaith.kit.com/e81ae1b230) Email: holley@holleysnaith.com (mailto:holley@holleysnaith.com) Listen on YouTube: Channel (   / @holleysnaithhistorian  )