Room with a variety of archaeological objects on display

Archives

The Cultural Heritage Experiment

Stereograph of Egyptian pyramids

Bring the Archives into Your Space

The Cultural Heritage Experiment (CHE) gives University of Chicago College and MA students the opportunity to borrow an object from the ISAC Archives and live with it, exploring how archival materials take on new meanings in new contexts.

Join us!

How to Participate

Ways to Participate

Auditorium stage with artwork on tables and shelves

Borrow

Lending Day 2026

Join us October 23, 2026

Event Details
Shelves with artwork, other pieces displayed on table and floor

Donate

Donating Materials

Reach out to the Archivist with inquiries

Contact Archivist
Students sitting in an auditorium with artwork on tables

Ask

Have Questions?

Contact the Archivist for more information

Contact Archives

Further Details

Bronze color bust of a woman in Egyptian Revival style

The Cultural Heritage Experiment (CHE) connects students with archival objects, allowing materials to be displayed in their own homes and exploring what types of objects are considered “cultural heritage,” and who they belong to. The CHE has loaned objects from the archives of ISAC to students for the academic year since 2018. Participate in the CHE to further engage with the archive and imagine new contexts for your object. 

  • Objects available for loan include: photographs, plans, posters, drawings, maps, silk screens, folios, casts, replicas, and prints. 
  • Please note that loans are limited to availability. CHE objects are only available to currently-enrolled University of Chicago College and MA students.