The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in cooperation with Missouri Humanities, presents “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” The exhibition examining the evolving landscape of rural America opens at the Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch on Friday, May 10, 2024. “Crossroads” will be on view through June 21, 2024.

The Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch and the surrounding community has been expressly chosen by the Missouri Humanities Council to host “Crossroads” as part of the Museum on Main Street program—a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. Kearney is the final stop for the exhibition in Missouri which toured a total of six communities since September 2023.

“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 Kearney’s history, present and future and we are excited to explore what the future may hold for our community,” said Gerri Spencer, Director of the Kearney Historic Museum. “We want to convene conversations about what makes our community unique and have developed local exhibitions and public programs to complement the Smithsonian exhibition.”

Such free events include a quilt walk, farmers market, car show, speakers’ series, fallen warrior’s memorial, a “Roaring Through the 1920’s” museum exhibit, and more.

For more information, please visit our website at VisitKearneyMo.com or download the Visit Kearney mobile app available on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Mid-Continent Public Library Kearney Branch, 100 South Platte Clay Way, Kearney, MO 64060

Hours: Sunday – 1-5, Monday-Thursday – 9-9, Friday – 9-6, Saturday – 10-6.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story