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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:
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Chester Public Library, Chester Illinois: Sept 8-
Oct 20, 2018
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Old School Museum, Winchester Illinois: Oct 27-
Dec 8, 2018
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Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center, Shelbyville
Illinois: Dec 15, 2018-Jan 26, 2019
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Marshall Public Library, Marshall Illinois: March
23-May 4, 2019
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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.
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 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
apldlibrary@gmail.com
[Cathy Maciariello]
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