As part of an American History survey course at East Tennessee State University, students conducted research on ordinary objects from homes, barns, and workshops in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee, learned techniques for displaying and interpreting artifacts, and designed and constructed exhibits illustrating aspects of homelife and work in the Appalachian region in the 19th and 20th centuries. The overall objective of the course was to help students gain an appreciation for history by recognizing its relevance to their lives and the evolution of their communities. Four more immediate goals were to: (1) introduce students to the value of studying commonplace artifacts in enriching their understanding of their past; (2) heighten students' awareness and pride in their regional heritage through interviews with older relatives and examinations of letters, diaries, and photographs in local archives; (3) engage students in their own historical research to overcome their lack of concern for academic endeavors; and (4) involve students in a collective learning experience permitting them to share the rewards of probing the material culture of their region. The course culminated with a daylong Artifacts Festival featuring 13 exhibits and a slide presentation. The positive results of the project were seen in students' pride in their work and the improved quality of their papers. Instructional materials used in the course are included in the appendices. (HB)