Pickford Community Library To Host Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition

The Pickford Community Library is honored to announce that it is one of six Michigan organizations selected by the Michigan Humanities Council to host the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” exhibition from May 9 - June 21, 2020.

“Crossroads” offers small towns a chance to look at the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century and to creatively focus on new opportunities for growth and development. The exhibition explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century; since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas has dropped from 60% to 17%. Despite the massive economic and demographic changes, America’s small towns continue to look to the future.

The library will be partnering with other area organizations, including the Pickford Historical Society Museum, Pickford Township, Northern Michigan University, and Curtis Public Library.  Local events and exhibits will be coordinated to coincide with the national exhibition, including a speaker series, reading and discussion groups, and youth activities.

The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street (MoMS), a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about “Crossroads” and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org. Support for MoMS has been provided by the U.S. Congress.