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On the Road Again, Artifcting Across the USA 

May 25, 2022

Last year we said that you’ve likely heard of the Smithsonian, The Met, and The Getty, and asked if you also knew The Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, The Mum of Mustard, and The Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History. An eclectic mix aimed to get the most museum skeptical folks out there to explore! 

We couldn’t wait to return with a second installment of Artifcting Across the USA  and a new lineup of museums to add to your stops list this summer. We even went out on a limb and created a fun little map to help you out. Click the map to download your copy! 

Map of small museums across the United States

 

Introducing Five New Museums  

Just take me to the Artifcts of #ArtifctingAcrossTheUSA!

BOBBLEHEADS!

Yes, a museum just for bobbleheads in the vibrant Third Ward in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. And if you are surprised, just think about all the major athletes, hot button political figures, and even custom bobbleheads you’ve surely seen in person or swirling around in social media memes. Vintage, well, antique really, bobbleheads (aka “nodding heads”) date back to the 1760s. It’s hard to imagine these playful modern pieces in seemingly more stoic times, but history is history. Enjoy a bobble or two > 

GLASS ART.

Did you know the United Nations declared 2022 the International Year of Glass? Respecting its history and future, spanning the arts to life sciences, glass is taking its turn on the stage for the power it holds for good. Imagine our delight to share with you a few of the glassworks on display with the Bergstrom-Mahler Glass Museum in Neenah, Wisconsin, during this, the year of glass! There’s glass, and then there’s glass! Take a look – have glass art of your own to Artifct? 

Among The Museum's exhibits are a few pieces by the esteemed artist Johne Parsley (1916-2009), one of the great fine glass paperweight artists of his generation. His daughter, an artist in her own right, has kindly contributed additional pieces to this Artifcting Across the USA series and will Artifct more paperweights for your viewing pleasure throughout 2022 as part of the International Year of Glass. View @Joan-of-Art on Artifcts > 

BLACK ART AND HISTORY.

It’s the history of the making of a nation. It’s a history reconstructed with the perseverance and contributions of those who know the value of history to the future. It's the history of Black people in the United States. You need not even step into the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in Austin, Texas, to begin the journey through history. A pathway behind the Museum is your guide, with engraved signage and messages. A statue garden commemorates Juneteenth and leaves a pedestal for you to "step into history ... take your place."

Of course, so much more awaits inside this modern museum to tell you more about Black history. You can also stroll through exhibits transporting you through modern Black art, representation in pop culture, inventors, and landmark institutions of the Austin area, including historically black schools and the Texas State Capital building, constructed by black hands. Step into Black art and history > 

THE UNEXPECTED, WITH A CITY 'VIEW.'

Museum exhibits take months if not years to curate and then assemble. The constant flow keeps museums alive and responsive to the times and adaptable to include modern history. But some museums, like the City Museum in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, take living museums to a whole new level. Imagine being a curator and showing up to work one day to discover a bus installation … on the roof. Surprise! This is not a museum for the timid or for the more conventional museum diehards.  

But don’t dismiss the genuine artistic and historical merits of the unconventional approach. You will find works from internationally renowned contemporary artists, an enthralling selection from among 60,000 glass lantern slides of the former Image Library at The Metropolitan Museum of Arts, and physical artifacts from the local community and beyond, including historic components of St. Louis architecture and a vintage 1940 ‘Big Eli’ Ferris Wheel on the rooftop. Go on, be curious, and check out a few playful pieces on Artifcts > 

SWIMMING & DIVING.

Texas style. Well, at least with a Texas twist, because this is actually a teaser for a coming collection to Artifcts with the Texas Swimming & Diving Hall of Fame.  

Nestled in the halls of the The Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center at the University of Texas at Austin is a remarkable collection that is a treat for athletes who visit from around the country. The display was made possible because of the contributions of a former swim director who loves all things swim history and vintage gear and memorabilia. Some of his collection he’s kept for personal enjoyment—look at this signed postcard discovery—but much of it is now on display to remind us all how much a single sport has grown, changed, and shaped history through the decades. Here’s your sneak peek > 

We'd love to hear from you! Artifct your moments and discoveries at these and other museums across the USA and beyond as you travel this summer. Our histories shared are so much more powerful than any single object.

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We extend our enthusiastic thanks to the participating museums for their contributions. All rights reserved. If your museum is interested in contributing to a future piece in this series, contact Editor@Artifcts.com.

© 2022 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with Purpose

Dear Artifcts Members, 

As we step into a brand-new year, I want to pause and say thank you. Artifcts exists because of you—your stories, your trust, and your belief that the memories behind our things matter just as much as the things themselves. As we reflect on 2025, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for what we’ve built together. 

This past year was one of meaningful growth and exciting milestones. We partnered with Clutter Cleaner to help families facing downsizing and life transitions preserve what truly matters—the stories and significance behind their belongings. This collaboration reinforced our shared belief that letting go of things doesn’t mean letting go of memories. 

We were also honored to be named one of Family Tree Magazine’s Top Genealogy Tech Websites for the third year in a row. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to supporting families, historians, and everyday memory-keepers with thoughtful, accessible technology. 

In 2025, I also had the opportunity to join the Northern Trust “Secrets of Enterprising Families” podcast, where we talked openly about legacy, loss, and practical estate planning. These conversations are at the heart of why Artifcts exists—to make space for reflection, clarity, and connection across generations. 

On the product side, we reached a major milestone with the launch of ARTIAssist, our first AI-backed feature. ARTIAssist was designed to make creating Artifcts easier and more intuitive, helping members capture historical and factual details behind their most cherished keepsakes. This was a big step forward for us, and we’re just getting started. 

None of this would be possible without your continued support, feedback, and enthusiasm. You inspire us every day. 

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited about what’s to come: 

  • Continued refinement of ARTIAssist and other AI-powered tools to help you create new Artifcts with confidence and ease 
  • Virtual workshops designed to help you get the most out of every Artifcts feature 
  • And a growing team, bringing new ideas, energy, and expertise to better serve our community 

Thank you for being part of the Artifcts family and for trusting us with your stories. Here’s to a new year filled with reflection, discovery, and connection—and to preserving what matters most, together. 

With gratitude and warm wishes for the year ahead, 


Co-Founder & CEO, Artifcts 
Happy New Year ✨ 

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Happy 12 Days of Artifcts!

The holidays have a way of stirring up memories—some wrapped in joy, some tucked quietly into the corners of our hearts. This year, Artifcts is celebrating those moments in a way that’s meaningful, creative, and deeply personal with the 12 Days of Artifcts holiday challenge. 

If you’ve been following along on our social channels, you’ve seen how powerful a single object can be when paired with a story. An old photograph. A travel souvenir. A well-loved family quilt. These aren’t just “things.” They’re touchstones to the people, places, and moments that shaped us. 

 

The first four days of our 12 Days of Artifcts challenge. Objects with stories, your stories!

That’s what the 12 Days of Artifcts is all about—and we’d love for you to join in the fun. 

Are You Up for a Challenge? 

We promise, our “challenge,” doesn’t involve Tik Tok or ice buckets, and it’s simple enough to do even if you’ve never done one of those “I-saw-it-on-the-evening-news" challenges before. 

Over 12 days, we share 12 different themes, one per day via our Facebook and Instagram pages. Each theme invites you to choose a meaningful item from your life and Artifct it—capture a photo, add the story behind it, and preserve the memory digitally for yourself and for the people you love. 

By the end of the challenge, you’ll have: 

  • 12 Artifcts
  • 12 memories preserved
  • 12 stories ready to share with family and friends—now or for generations to come 

There’s no right or wrong way to participate. Some people choose deeply sentimental items. Others lean into lighthearted or unexpected objects. Every Artifct tells a story worth saving. 

Every Artifct tells a story worth saving. 

A Theme for Every Kind of Memory and Artifct 

Each day’s theme offers a gentle nudge to look at your life through a new lens. One day might spark a story about family traditions. Another might bring back a personal milestone, a favorite place, or a meaningful relationship. Some themes make you smile instantly; others may surprise you with memories you hadn’t thought about in years. That’s part of the magic. 

You don’t need museum-worthy artifacts. The beauty of Artifcts is that meaning isn’t measured by monetary value—it’s measured by connection. If an item holds a story only you can tell, it belongs here. 

 
 
 
 
Pick a theme that works for you and join in the fun as we count down the 12 Days of Artifcts!

Why Participate? 

Because memories fade—but stories don’t have to. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts is more than a creative challenge. It’s an opportunity to pause during a busy season and reflect. To document the moments that matter. To create something lasting that you can revisit, share, and pass on. 

Many participants tell us that once they start, they can’t stop. One Artifct leads to another. One memory unlocks three more. Before you know it, you’re building a living archive of your life (and your holidays!)—your way. 

Share the Joy 

One of our favorite parts of the challenge is seeing how people share their Artifcts with others. Share yours on social media, tag us, and use #12DaysofArtifcts to be part of the community countdown. Or keep them private, sharing only with family and close friends. However you participateyou’re contributing to something meaningful. 

And don’t worry, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, and preserving lasting memories and stories during the holidays.

It’s Not Too Late to Start 

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I missed a day… or five,” take a deep breath. You’re right on time. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts isn’t a race. Start today. Pick the theme that speaks to you most. Go back and fill in the others when you’re ready. The stories will wait for you. All that matters is beginning. 

As we count down the 12 Days of Artifcts, we invite you to reflect, remember, and create. At the end, you won’t just have a collection of items—you’ll have a collection of stories that only you can tell. 

So choose your first theme. Find your first item. And Artifct that {old photo, handmade ornament, special gift} or other holiday keepsake. From all of us at Artifcts, happy holidays and happy Artifcting! 

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Why an Artifcts Membership Is the #1 Holiday Gift for Grandparents Who Have Everything 

As the holiday season approaches and families search for meaningful, memorable gifts, one option rises above the usual sweaters, gadgets, and gift cards: a gift membership to Artifcts.com. For grandparents, who are often the keepers of stories, traditions, and treasured belongings, Artifcts offers something far more valuable than another item to unwrap. It offers a way to preserve their legacy, share memories, and connect with loved ones in a lasting, joyful way. 

A Modern Solution to a Timeless Desire: Sharing Stories 

Grandparents often have homes filled with objects rich in personal history—photographs, souvenirs, heirlooms, handmade pieces, letters, and charming odds and ends. But the stories behind those items aren’t always written down or passed along. 

Artifcts.com changes that. With an easy-to-use platform, grandparents can upload photos of meaningful items and record the stories, memories, and details behind them. Each “Artifct” becomes a digital keepsake—part story, part history, part heirloom—preserved beautifully for future generations. 

It’s the perfect way to capture moments like: 

  • The origin of Grandpa’s well-worn fishing hat
  • The recipe card with Grandma’s handwritten notes
  • The ornament that’s hung on the tree for 40 years
  • The ticket stub from their first date 

This isn’t just documentation—it’s storytelling. 

A Thoughtful Gift That Builds Connection 

A gift membership to Artifcts isn’t something that sits on a shelf. It’s a shared experience. 

Grandparents can invite family members into their private circle, allowing children and grandchildren to explore the stories behind the items they’ve always been curious about—or never knew existed, sparking conversations across generations, bridging distances, and helping younger family members better understand their roots. 

It’s especially meaningful for: 

  • Families who live far apart
  • Grandparents who want to connect with tech-savvy grandkids
  • Loved ones who want to preserve memories before they fade 

Perfect for Legacy, Estate, and Family Planning 

In addition to emotional value, Artifcts has practical benefits. Grandparents can document: the provenance of their heirlooms; instructions for what should happen to certain items someday with our "In the Future" field; and the significance of objects family members will inherit. With Artifcts you can pass down the stories, meaning, and value along with the actual item.  

This avoids confusion, conflict, or lost historical context later. Family decision-making becomes clearer—and more heartfelt—when the story behind each item is preserved. 

Tech-Friendly for All Ages 

Artifcts was designed to be simple for anyone to use—tech-savvy or not. The platform walks users through the process step-by-step, making it enjoyable and unintimidating. Our Quick Start Guide helps anyone age 16-97 get started right away, while our YouTube Channel offers dozens of short, easy to follow videos that will have you up and Artifcting in no time!

Plus, because it’s digital, grandparents can create and share Artifcts from the comfort of home or even use the mobile app when inspiration strikes. 

A Gift That Lasts Long After the Holidays 

While most holiday gifts are eventually forgotten, Artifcts grows more valuable with time. With every story uploaded, the gift becomes richer, deeper, and more meaningful. 

It's not just a membership—it’s: 

  • A storytelling tool
  • A memory-preservation system
  • A family-connection platform
  • A legacy-building experience 

And it becomes a treasured part of a grandparent’s life year-round. 

The Heart of the Holiday Season 

Ultimately, the best gifts are those that bring people closer together. A gift membership to Artifcts.com celebrates a grandparent’s life, honors their stories, and preserves them for generations to come. It transforms holiday giving into something timeless—ensuring that the memories, laughter, lessons, and love of today remain part of your family’s story forever. 

This holiday season, wrap up something truly meaningful. Give the gift of Artifcts. 

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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