The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with the Mississippi Humanities Council, presents “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” The exhibition examining the evolving landscape of rural American arrives in Mississippi September 2020. “Crossroads” will be in Mississippi through June 2021.
“Crossroads” explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century. From sea to shining sea, the vast majority of the United States landscape remains rural with only 3.5% of the landmass considered urban. Since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas dropped from 60% to 17%. The exhibition looks at that remarkable societal change and how rural Americans responded.
Americans have relied on rural crossroads for generations. These places where people gather to exchange goods, services and culture and to engage in political and community discussions are an important part of our cultural fabric. Despite the massive economic and demographic impacts brought on by these changes, America’s small towns continue to creatively focus on new opportunities for growth and development.
“‘Crossroads’ allows us to reflect on Mississippi’s history, present, and future and we are excited to explore what the future may hold for communities around our state,” said Caroline Gillespie, Crossroads state coordinator. “We want to convene conversations about what makes each of these communities unique, the challenges they face, and how they are navigating their futures.”
Six communities around the state will be selected to host the exhibition free of charge. Potential host sites are invited to apply through September 30, 2019 to host the exhibition, which will arrive in the state September 2020. Exhibition specifics and more details about the application process can be found here.
Designed for small-town museums, libraries and cultural organizations, “Crossroads” will serve as a community meeting place for conversations about how rural America has changed. With the support and guidance of the Mississippi Humanities Council, these towns will develop complementary exhibits, host public programs and facilitate educational initiatives to raise people’s understanding about their own history, the joys and challenges of living rural, how change has impacted their community, and prompt discussion of goals for the future.
The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about “Crossroads” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.
Support for MoMS has been provided by the U.S. Congress.
For more information about Crossroads, contact Caroline Gillespie or visit our website.
