How Hobbies Changed the Home
Basements, sheds, and workshops found their way into American homes because leisure activities pursued by men and boys were often loud and smelly.
How DIY Home Repair Became a Hobby for Men
It was only in the 20th century that toolboxes became staples in the homes of middle-class men.
This Wrench Smashes Patriarchy: Women and Tools
After World War II, many women in industrial jobs put down their wrenches. But the spirit of Rosie the Riveter couldn't be denied.
Crows Are Even Smarter Than We Thought
If crows like the New Caledonian Crow can plan out and create a specialized tool, then they seem to have smarts that rival those of early humans.
An Object History of the Persian Carpet
The famous Persian carpet, woven by female artisans in southwestern Iran, may be going extinct. Its story can be told in spindles and whorls.
The Sticky History of Adhesives
Our Pleistocene ancestors in southern Africa made and used glue-like adhesives as early as the Middle Stone Age.
Inside the Alchemist’s Workshop
What tools would an alchemist use in the quest to transmute other elements into gold?