OK Humanities Announces Smithsonian Exhibits

Oklahoma Humanities announced the Smithsonian is coming to Oklahoma in 2021. OH will select six rural Oklahoma communities to host the traveling exhibit, Crossroads: Change in Rural America, as part of the Museum on Main Street program. The tour in Oklahoma will begin between September 2021 and June 2022.

Oklahoma Humanities mission statement is to strengthen communities by helping Oklahomans learn about the human experience, understand new perspectives and participate knowledgeably in civic life.

“We are honored to host the Smithsonian in Oklahoma and partner with local organizations to showcase the diversity and culture of our rural communities” said Caroline Lowery, OH executive director. “This rare and significant opportunity will provide hosting organizations the power of the Smithsonian brand to catalyze lasting community improvement and increase economic impacts.”

The Crossroads exhibit pays tribute to rural identity, land, community, persistence and managing change. It also acknowledges that living and working in rural America has never been easy. It requires some investment, sweat and monetary hazards to live in the country. The program goes about as an impetus for discussions with respect to instruction, segment change, access to administrations, horticulture, business and foundation. The purpose of the exhibit offers communities an opportunity to increase visitation, visibility and civic pride.

The MoMS site receives the following exhibit rental for a period of six weeks; shipping costs for exhibition, training for public programming, training for exhibition installation, publicity and support materials and $5,000 grant to support local Crossroads activities. Allowing the cultural programming opportunity valued at $15,000 per community.

The sites will be selected based on geographic location, strong community support, ideas for supplemental programming and physical event space. The Crossroads exhibit consists of six free-standing, double-sided panels and one interactive digital kiosk.

Additional information about the Crossroads exhibit and the link to the online application can be found at okhumanities.org. The deadline for application submissions is Sept 30.

Lakeria Kelley can be reached at Intern@WatongaRepublican.com