NORTH VERNON — Last Thursday, the Smithsonian Crossroads to Rural America exhibit opened its doors at the Stellar Plaza in North Vernon. This exhibit is part of the Museum on Main Street program, which is a division of the Smithsonian dedicated to bringing quality exhibits to small towns. Jennings County is lucky enough to be one of only six locations in Indiana to host the exhibit.
The Crossroads exhibit, which showcases the history of rural America over the past century, is meant to provide small towns with an opportunity to explore the ways in which they have adapted to rapid societal changes over the past 100 years. The exhibit also hosts its own Jennings County story, which focuses on changes in transportation, land use, education and community identity.
Chris Asher, project coordinator of the exhibit and curator of the Jennings County Historical Society’s museum, says that the exhibit is not only about the past, but also the future.
“I think the most important thing about this exhibit is that it is designed to spark conversations about what the future of our rural communities could look like in ten or more years,” Asher said.
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The project has been brought to life by collaboration between many local figures. Asher noted several local organizers from the Jennings County Community Foundation, the Jennings County Historical Society, the Jennings County School Corporation, and the city of North Vernon.
“We really hope folks will come out and enjoy the exhibit and special programs,” Asher said. “Hundreds of volunteer hours and in-kind services from locals have made this project possible. We are very grateful for all the support and proud to partner with the Smithsonian and Indiana Humanities in bringing the exhibit to Jennings County.”
Several special events related to the exhibit will be held at the Stellar Building throughout the end of December and through Jan. 26. The exhibit is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 12 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 12 to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. For a full list of planned special events and holiday closings, visit jenningscounty.org.
