Descriptive Entry

This accession consists of audiovisual elements for the interactive video project that accompanied the exhibition "A Material World." The production incorporates video animation, puppetry, and on-location photography in two interactive videos, "Knowing Materials" and "Testing Materials." Among those featured in the production is racing driver Don Garlits whose dragster is on display. The exhibition, produced by the National Museum of American History (NMAH), Department of the History of Science and Technology, opened in April 1988. Using a broad sampling of objects from NMAH collections, it explores questions such as, "What is this object made of, why, and why does it matter?" It traces changes in the composition of artifacts over time and how the materials that are chosen affect the makeup and "feel" of our artificial environment. It is not clear when this material was transferred to the Archives. Materials include original 16mm camera rolls, Betacam transfers from film and 3/4" masters, original Betacam videotapes, 1/4" audiotape, U-matic videotapes, and 1" protection master videotapes.