About
The project is designed to serve as an introduction to the emerging field/methodology of sensory history. It depends largely on the work of Mark M. Smith of the University of South Carolina and his work, Sensing the Past: Seeing, Hearing, Smelling, Tasting, and Touching in History.
The site consists of videos meant to introduce the subject. Exhibits center on objects of material culture, concepts, social implications and selected readings which track changes in the experience and reception of sensory experience. Items are organized in no particular order and are described generally, based primarily on basic knowledge.
This study is by no means exhaustive and choices have been made to demonstrate an introduction to the subject rather than a comprehensive presentation. They way people see, hear, taste, touch and smell the world around them changes over time and thus the senses are historically constructed. Though many critical texts have explored and explained these changes, the potential for new and innovative work remains.
Though this site is only a basic overview, I would like to include more elements and incorporate new scholarship to the site. Please contact the site creator, aodiorne@gmu.edu, with comments and suggestions. Your input is appreciated.