BPCL.MC. Material Culture
Collecting Area
Identifier: BPCL.MC
In the context of popular culture studies, Material Culture refers to the physical objects and artifacts that embody everyday cultural practices, trends, and values, such as toys, clothing, advertisements, packaging, fan merchandise, household goods, and media-related products—objects that reflect how popular culture is produced, circulated, and consumed. These collections provide insight into the lived experiences of people, the influence of media and commerce, and the shifting trends in identity, leisure, and social norms.
Found in 35 Collections and/or Records:
Political Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-109
Introduction
Politics and popular culture are a dynamic duo, often intersecting one another whether they mean to or not. It’s hard to imagine a show such as Saturday Night Live ever becoming the institution that it is today without its political commentary or Ronald Reagan achieving the highest office in the United States without his career in film and being the host of General Electric Theater. The call and response between these two are undeniable and it is important to look at this...
Dates:
Creation: 1892 - 2020
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Popular Entertainment Photograph Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-34
Introduction
The Popular Entertainment Photo Collection consists of primarily black and white photographs from motion pictures, television shows, and movies shown on television. Publicity photographs of both notable and little-known performers in television, motion pictures, and radio round out the collection.
Each category below includes an inventory along with dates, if available.
Dates:
Creation: Primarily 20th century
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Postcard Collection
Collection
Identifier: Sc-12
Introduction
The Browne Popular Culture Library's Postcard Collection contains numerous examples of communication and travel for at least the last 100 years or so. From Disney to Europe to Bowling Green, OH, our Postcard Collection has something for everyone to study, be entertained by, or to just marvel. Many have handwritten messages (and dated postmarks!) and many do not. If you are interested in the postcards, don't hesitate to stop by the Reference/Service Desk on the 4th floor of Jerome...
Dates:
Creation: Late 19th century through 20th century
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Radio City Music Hall Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-7
Introduction
Dubbed a "palace for the people", Radio City Music Hall was the first building completed in what has come to be known as Rockefeller Center. An incomparable performance venue since its inaugural program on December 27, 1932, Radio City Music Hall has had over 300 million visitors and has hosted countless shows and performances. Find additional information about Radio City Music Hall on...
Dates:
Creation: Primarily 20th century
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Romance Publicity Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-005
Introduction
This is a collection of printed and other materials used for marketing romance Author/Publishers and books. The collection includes well-known Author/Publishers such as Nora Roberts and self-published Author/Publishers. Made up of primarily printed material, the collection features book previews, postcards, posters, among other unusual items such as temporary tattoos, picture frames, and fake crystals that have been used by Author/Publishers and publishers to make readers aware of their...
Dates:
Creation: 1980 - 2010
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
September 11 Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-36
Introduction
The September 11th Collection consists of 70 items related to al-Qaeda's attack on targets in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. The collection is home to newspapers (mainly local) printed the day of and the days following the attacks in addition to periodicals, high school and university publications. The collection also contains other printed material such as advertisements, trading cards, a calendar, bumper stickers, a puzzle, and other items. A few video tapes round out the...
Dates:
Creation: 2001 - 2017
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Twin Peaks Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-122
Introduction
This collection of printed materials and realia is related to the Twin Peaks television series (1990-1991). These were donated by Frank Sciacca in 2019.The postmodern Twin Peaks television drama series was created by film director David Lynch. Lynch has been a significant filmmaker and director since the debut of his first film Eraserhead (1977). When Twin Peaks aired, not many film directors had worked in television. Known for his dark and eccentric...
Dates:
Creation: 1989 - 2003
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
World War I Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-120
Introduction
The United States entered World War I in 1917 and were part of the Allied countries who won the war in 1918. The government created a variety of methods to engage citizens on the Homefront to help with the war effort. Americans were encouraged to purchase war bonds to help finance the campaign. Rationing was enforced so essential supplies could be sent to the soldiers, including sugar, milk and fat. Other ways citizens could help included joining the Red Cross and the War Chest. Similar...
Dates:
Creation: 1918 - 1920; Creation: undated
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
World War II Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-124
Introduction
The United States entered World War II in 1941 and was part of the Allied Forces who won the war in 1945. Similar to its efforts during World War I, the government created a variety of methods to engage citizens on the home front to help with the war effort. Americans were encouraged to grow and preserve their own food and purchase war bonds to help finance the campaign. Food and other essential supplies were rationed.
Dates:
Creation: 1938 - 1946
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
World's Fairs Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-108
Introduction
World’s fairs started as a way for countries to present their nations’ cultures. Held around the world since the 1850s, most of the twentieth century fairs took place in the United States. These celebrations strove to highlight America’s dominance in its advancements in science and technology. Examples of the influence of the fairs on the host cities’ urban planning and architecture include Seattle’s Space Needle, New York’s Flushing Meadows park, and Chicago’s Museum of Science and...
Dates:
Creation: 1892 - 1986
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library