We know a lot about the Industrial Revolution. What it looked like, its historical significance and details of life during the time.

But what about how it smelled?

A new team of researchers, historians and computer scientists will explore the answer to that question and others like it. Funded by the European Union, the team behind the $3.3 million project called Odeuropawill spend three years identifying and recreating historical smells. It was announced this week and begins in January.

“Smell and scent are really special, because they’re essential to our memory,” said William Tullett, a historian who studies smell and an Odeuropa researcher. “Smell is one of those things that really does make our lives worth living. It’s one of those things that adds enjoyment to our daily lives.”

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Published by NPR, November 22th, 2020