Greenwood Welcomes Innovative Smithsonian Exhibit Celebrating Rural Transformation

Greenwood Welcomes Innovative Smithsonian Exhibit Celebrating Rural Transformation

Greenwood, August 8, 2024

The small city of Greenwood has become the latest stop for the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, “Spark! Places of Innovation,” which can be viewed at The Museum of Greenwood through September 11. This thought-provoking exhibit dives into the themes of transformation and invention in rural communities, highlighting how innovative solutions and collective efforts breathe new life into small towns.

Marion Smith, the exhibits coordinator at The Museum of Greenwood, played a pivotal role in bringing the exhibit to the city. “I wasn’t entirely sure we were going to get this one,” Smith remarked, reflecting on the uncertainty of securing the exhibit. The exhibit’s arrival in Greenwood marks a significant achievement, especially since it was a result of a grant proposal written by Karen Jennings.

“It’s a late arrival this season, but I think it has a lot in common with the small city of Greenwood,” Smith added. She emphasized the exhibit’s theme of repurposing and reclaiming spaces, a concept that resonates deeply with the community. The Museum itself stands as a testament to this idea, as it occupies a building repurposed from its former life as a furniture store.

The exhibit features multiple display units, including four interactive panels, each narrating stories of social, cultural, and artistic innovation. According to the Smithsonian, the exhibit uses photographs, engaging interactives, objects, videos, and digital stories to create a multilayered experience. These elements collectively reveal the leaders, challenges, successes, and future of innovation in each rural community highlighted.

One notable example presented in the exhibit is the story of Franklin, North Carolina, where the inclusion of Cherokee heritage played a crucial role in preserving the sacred Nikwasi Mound. Another story hails from New Berlin, New York, where an entrepreneur introduced an authentic Middle Eastern-style yogurt, Chobani, to the American market. This yogurt, known for being less sugary than many other options, has now become a widely available and top-selling brand.

“There are stories of mining towns and former railroad towns,” Smith said. “We can identify with this. It celebrates small city enthusiasm.” The exhibit also underscores the importance of community-driven projects, rather than individual efforts. One example is Bethel, Pennsylvania’s “Pop-Up University,” a community initiative offering a broad range of free classes on diverse topics. The program has seen impressive engagement, with 1,000 people currently enrolled.

This exhibit is part of the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street offerings and comes to Greenwood through a competitive grant application process, thanks to support from SC Humanities and a grant from the Self Family Foundation. Before making its way to Greenwood, the exhibit was displayed in South Dakota and Wyoming. Established in 1984, this Smithsonian traveling exhibit program partners with state humanities councils and local host sites to bring educational and culturally enriching experiences to small communities.

Visitors interested in exploring the “Spark! Places of Innovation” exhibit can do so until September 11 at The Museum of Greenwood. Marion Smith and the museum team invite everyone to engage with the stories of reinvention and collective effort that have transformed rural communities across the United States.

Weather Update for Greenwood

Rain is likely throughout the day with temperatures reaching a high of around 80°F. Winds will be blowing from the NNW at 10 to 20 mph, with a 70% chance of rain and rainfall expected near a quarter of an inch. Showers are anticipated in the evening, transitioning to partly cloudy skies overnight. The nighttime low will be near 70°F, with winds shifting to WSW at 5 to 10 mph and a 60% chance of rain. Stay prepared and plan accordingly.