Crossroads in Rolling Fork

The Smithsonian traveling exhibition “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” has opened at its fifth Mississippi host site in Rolling Fork! The Lower Delta Partnership is hosting the exhibit at 35 Walnut Street, thanks to the help and generous donation of the space from a local business owner.

On March 24, 2023, Rolling Fork was devastated by a EF4 tornado that destroyed or damaged much of the city, including the Sharkey Issequena County Library which was originally set to host the exhibit. LDP coordinator, Meg Cooper, stated that “immediately after the tornado, many people told me that it would be best if I cancelled plans to host the exhibit scheduled for the following March. I just kept saying a lot can happen in 11 months, let’s wait and see.”

“Crossroads” will allow viewers to reflect on Rolling Fork’s history, its present, and what its future may be. Rolling Fork, like much of the Mississippi Delta, has been in decline for a while and this exhibit encourages residents to creatively focus on new opportunities for growth and development. Visitors are taken through exhibits on rural America in general, from frontier experiences to development of the land for agriculture, businesses, and communities, to the modernization of rural communities, to how some communities have become sustainable through creative thinking.

A timeline of Rolling Fork’s history and photographs provided by Leslie Miller with the Rolling Fork Visitors Center and Museum will accompany the Smithsonian exhibit. This local exhibit will allow young people to learn about the history of their community, as well as provide an opportunity for veteran citizens to reminisce about how their home has evolved.

“This exhibit is perfect for Rolling Fork right now,” said Cooper, “we are at a crossroads and trying to decide which way to go. Some people are trying to decide whether they want to stay in Rolling Fork; we still have businesses waiting to see if they will return to the city or not. We’re so grateful for those that stayed and those that have rebuilt. I hope that this exhibit will spur our residents and leaders to rethink and rebuild Rolling Fork in a way that will encourage creative growth and sustainable asset-based development for everyone.”

The exhibit and all related events are free and open to the public. Public hours are 10 am – 3 pm during the week and 10 am – 12 noon on Saturdays. Call LDP coordinator Meg Cooper at 662-907-0273 to schedule any groups or school trips.