Atlanta Public Library and Museum selected to host Smithsonian Exhibition “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” in 2018

[November 07, 2017] 

LINCOLN

Illinois Humanities is proud to announce the Atlanta Public Library has been selected to host Crossroads: Change in Rural America, a new Museum on Main Street exhibition produced by the Smithsonian Institution. The exhibit, appearing in Atlanta February 2-March 16, 2019, examines the impact of rural American culture upon the identity of the United States, past and present. Five other sites chosen for the Illinois tour include:

• Chester Public Library, Chester Illinois: Sept 8- Oct 20, 2018

• Old School Museum, Winchester Illinois: Oct 27- Dec 8, 2018

• Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center, Shelbyville Illinois: Dec 15, 2018-Jan 26, 2019

• Marshall Public Library, Marshall Illinois: March 23-May 4, 2019

• Sycamore History Museum, Sycamore Illinois: May 11-June 22, 2019

Museum on Main Street is a program conducted cooperatively by the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide that gives rural Americans opportunities to experience world-class exhibitions in their own communities and enables the organizations that host the exhibitions to enhance their capacities in a variety of ways.

The Crossroads exhibit describes the views of various cultural communities regarding the use and management of land and examines the role of land in the formation of local economies. It also discusses the emergence of rural communities and the evolution of their economic and social structures, especially during the period of rapid change in the mid-20th century. Importantly, it will explore ways in which rural communities are responding effectively to challenges in the 21st century and invite communities to contemplate their own potential paths into the future.

With assistance from Illinois Humanities, each site will develop a companion exhibition and produce public programming that will link the subject matter of the Smithsonian exhibition to the history and culture of its own community. The Atlanta Public Library and Museum companion exhibit will focus on connections between classrooms and community; examining ways its school has impacted Atlanta’s sense of community spirit over time.

In addition, the Atlanta Public Library and Museum will incorporate the exhibition theme into its regular programming and develop new programs for the public related to the theme of Crossroads: Change in Rural America.

“Illinois’s rural communities have played and continue to play a critical role in the history and culture of our state, and we are grateful to have the chance to work with the Smithsonian both to serve rural communities and to examine the development of rural Illinois,” said Angel Ysaguirre executive director of Illinois Humanities. “The level of interest in the topic is evidenced by the fact that we received a record number of applications to host this exhibition.”

Illinois Humanities works to build dialogue across all sectors of society to examine issues important to democracy in the focus areas of public policy, media & journalism, business, and art. Using the humanities as a tool to stimulate discussion, we create experiences across Illinois through programming, events, and grant making to engage a diverse public on ideas and issues that matter.

For more information about Illinois Humanities, the Museum on Main Street program, and/or the Atlanta Public Library & Museum contact:

Cathy Maciariello Atlanta Public Library and Museum 217-648-2112 [e-mail]

[Cathy Maciariello]