This discussion seeks to bring together the scholarly and the tangible, focusing on artifacts and manuscripts from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century. We first showcase a selection of artifacts from the 16th - 18th centuries. How do these everyday objects that defined early modern life give us a deeper picture of the culture that produced them? What are the stakes in transforming everyday items into subjects of scholarly inquiry? We then offer a discussion of manuscript production, where pigments and strokes of a quill and stylus transformed animal skins into enduring vessels of culture. Whether you are fascinated by the chemistry of medieval ink or the craftsmanship of Renaissance antiques, we’ll explore how the "stuff" of history continues to tell its story today. Any other views or examples of material history you would like to bring to the table are also welcome.